Cook promises 'surprises' at City

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However, he was keen to stress the world's richest club are looking for value for money and want to build a strong squad and not just bring in star names.

He said: "There will be some surprises but we should also expect in this window if some players or clubs see this club as a gravy train then we are quite prepared to walk away."

He added: "Making any predictions would not only be unfair to the game and the people in it but also to the fans because we want to make sure their expectations are in place.

"But I won't allow this football club to be used by anyone seeking a fortune.

"I'd rather just make sure we have got the right characters who can give the fans value for money.

City's new-found wealth has seen them linked with a long list of world class players, from AC Milan's Kaka and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas to Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz.

The list is almost endless but Cook insists that despite the vast wealth of the owners, manager Mark Hughes does not have a bottomless budget.

"The speculation that you hear and see is about a player-driven process but, like any business, we have a budget-driven process," he said.

"People think there is limitless funds available for players and they accordingly put a price tag on individuals but it is clear we will not be dragged into that type of discussion."