City supremo encouraged by Hughes

Manchester City executive chairman Garry Cook believes Mark Hughes' background of shrewd dealings in the transfer market can only benefit the club.

With record signing Jo setting off with the rest of the squad on Thursday to a training camp in Germany, City are now trying to lure Ronaldinho to Eastlands.

It was Hughes' dealings in bringing stars to Blackburn on a budget that attracted City to the former Wales boss and Cook said: "We do not have an open cheque book - it is important to be responsible. Mark has a great track record in that department and will decide the talent he requires. He says the squad is a bit unbalanced."

He added: "He and I have already had conversations and Mark has said 'I'm not sure. That is a little bit expensive'.

"So you know when a manager says that he has a conscience. Mark is very astute and destined to become an even greater coach as he is always challenging himself."

Hughes is determined to make the best use of owner Thaksin Shinawatra's money.

He said: "One of the reasons that prompted to leave my last position was I wanted to have the chance to attract the best players in the world and work with them.

"I now have that support and financial backing. It is up to me to make sure we make the right acquisitions.

"The key is to get the players that will enhance the squad and make us stronger going into a long hard Premier League season.

"If we get the right players and right mix then we will have a good season, I am sure."