Hughes: Barry's a bargain

Hughes made a surprise swoop for the midfielder last week, adding Barry's name to a growing list of impressive signings funded by the Abu Dhabi United Group since their takeover of Manchester City last summer.

"We have got a bargain because Gareth is coming into the best years of his career," said Hughes. "He is now a senior player but I only became a stronger person when I moved somewhere else."

He added: "His standing in the game will raise as a result of us paying a significant amount of money for him."

Hughes confirmed he sees Barry's leadership qualities and passing abilities as being best utilised in central midfield, the role he fulfils for England.

With Nigel de Jong and Vincent Kompany also excelling in that area of the field, it gives a clear indication to Hughes thinking as he looks to build a stronger unit, capable of withstanding Premier League combat.

Other targets, particularly Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz continue to be mentioned, although Hughes is shedding little light on their current progress.

"We are not going to go into speculation and hypothetical situations. It is not something worth discussing," he said.

"When good players come onto the market you have to look at each situation and decide whether it is right for you at that moment in time. There are a lot of players who would like to be part of what we are doing.

"We do our homework and due diligence and then make a decision on whether a player can be a Manchester City player. If so, we try to acquire them. But we will not specify certain individuals whether people want us to or not."