Hughes shrugs off transfer talk

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has described constant speculation over January transfer targets as "ludicrous" but he believes the club are in an enviable position.

Since being taken over by a wealthy Abu Dhabi-based company in August, City have been linked with a host of high-profile players, with money seemingly no object in the new owners' quest for success.

"It's a little bit hysterical and ludicrous at the moment to be perfectly honest," said Hughes after his side's 1-1 draw at Fulham in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

"When we go to the market, we'll discuss players with the clubs directly and if we can do some business, if we generate the resources to do that and if we can bring in a bit of quality to the club, then that's what we'll try to do.

"I don't think there'll be many clubs spending a great deal in January so maybe it's a competitive advantage that we have in this window."

On the evidence at Craven Cottage, where Darius Vassell failed to shine in the absence of the injured Robinho, City could do with some reinforcements.

Hughes insists he is happy with his current crop of players but admits he is always on the lookout for improvements.

"I've got good players and a good squad," he added. "We'll try to improve it because that's what every Premier League manager has to do.

"You always look and see which players are available and which ones you can bring in to improve the overall quality of the squad. I'm no different.

"Obviously in January we'll make sure we get good players into the club to complement the quality we already have."