Hughes dismisses mind games

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.

However, he is turning a deaf ear to the soundbites of his rivals, including Martin O'Neill, after the Aston Villa boss suggested City could be title contenders because of their spending power.

An influx of top-class players prompted O'Neill to make his comment, but Hughes said: "I think there are a number of managers in and around City who are using us to lessen the expectation on their own club."

Hughes has made six signings in the transfer window, with defender Kolo Toure the latest to check in at Eastlands following his move from Arsenal for a reported £15million.

Toure's Gunners team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor has also joined up along with Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz, Gareth Barry and back-up goalkeeper Stuart Taylor.

Despite's Toure's arrival, Hughes has not ruled out a third bid for Everton's Joleon Lescott. An £18million offer has been rejected, and Hughes said: "We will wait and see. We have good central defenders here already and good competition. That's what we want.

"We are making no secret of the fact we want to continue to strengthen the team. We have looked at players we feel will help us and make us successful in the future. The business we have already done is exceptional and there is quite a way to go before the window closes."

However, Hughes insisted it was never his intention to use Nedum Onuoha as a makeweight in any deal. That was emphasised this week when the former England Under-21 defender signed a new five-year agreement.

Hughes said: "It was never in my thoughts to involve him if I was trying to get another player. He is very much part of the future and we are delighted he has committed himself to the club.

"This is his club. It is really important to have a core of players that have a real empathy for City and have come through the ranks."