Ronaldinho only one Hughes target

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As the Blues hierarchy wait patiently to discover whether their attempts to sign Ronaldinho have been successful, Hughes is focused on expanding a squad he feels is a bit thin for the battles which lie ahead.

"I would imagine there will be a number of changes," the Welshman told City's official website, www.mcfc.co.uk. "I can't say what they will be at this moment in time but, on initial viewings, the make-up of the squad and the cover we have in certain areas seems a little bit light."

He added: "So, if there are good quality players out there that can improve what we already have in certain areas then we will be in the market for them."

Clearly, Ronaldinho fits into that category judging by the £22million bid and £200,000-a-week salary City are reported to have offered for the former world footballer of the year.

After initially looking as though they had missed out on the 29-year-old, it now appears the Blues have moved into pole position.

Certainly, Barcelona president Joan Laporta thinks so.

"Ronaldinho has two interesting proposals, although they (Ronaldinho and his agent) are favouring the Manchester City offer more and more," Laporta told Catalunya Radio.

Barca then confirmed following a meeting with Ronaldinho and his representative at the Nou Camp that they had given the player until Thursday to sort out his future.

"The two sides agreed to allow two or three days to finalise the transfer of the player to one of the clubs which have shown an interest in signing him," Barca said on their website.