City warning to transfer middle men

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Manager Mark Hughes insists they will only deal directly with the clubs involved when they come to do business and no-one else. The Welshman is adamant Eastlands will not become a playground for those aiming to get rich quick.

"There is a lot of speculation about all manner of players. The problem we have is there a lot of people out there who are trying to jump into the middle of deals," he said. "They are trying to manufacture themselves. They are making assumptions on players we are supposedly interested in. They are trying to cover all avenues."

He added: "If we are going into the market we will deal with the clubs directly. We do not need intermediaries or anyone jumping into the middle trying to make a profit out of any business we are going to do.

"We can do any business we like on our own, thank you very much. We do not need any help from anybody. That's our message."

Real Madrid's highly-rated goalkeeper Iker Casillas has been touted as coming in to replace Joe Hart next month.

However Hughes has leapt to the defence of the former Shrewsbury shot-stopper, who kept a clean sheet in the draw against Paris St Germain in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday night.

"He did well. He needed to be strong and come to the fore near the end of the game and he did that," said the City boss. "Joe is an exceptionally gifted young goalkeeper.

"Irrespective of the speculation, who's coming, who's going, what you have to do as a player is get on with playing well and being part of what we are doing here. He is certainly doing that."