Mark Hughes slams Chelsea for going public with John Terry interest

21 July 2009 02:23
Mark Hughes has expressed his irritation at Chelsea for going public with Manchester City's pursuit of John Terry. Chelsea announced earlier this month that they had rejected a second offer from City for the England captain and have subsequently made it clear Terry is not for sale. City are refusing to give up just yet on the defender with Hughes admitting they were willing to wait. But the fact the saga is now being played out in public appears to have frustrated the City boss. Speaking on the club's pre-season tour of South Africa, he said: 'The club made a bid for the defender but conflicting reports in the media caused an issue. 'We made a bid for John but we tried to keep it under the radar. 'Chelsea allowed the bid to enter the public domain and ever since I have been answering questions on the matter. 'There was no issue that needed to be raised.' He added: 'At the beginning of the season, we wanted all the players in the building to start training, but we are prepared to wait. 'It is all about giving the deal the opportunity to develop. 'We want to strengthen our defence but we will concentrate on what we are doing here (in South Africa) first.' City have made some inroads in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Roque Santa Cruz, Gareth Barry, Emmanuel Adebayor and Carlos Tevez. Hughes must now decide whether to play Tevez against the Kaizer Chiefs in Durban tomorrow night. Tevez joined the team at the weekend but remains a major doubt due to a heel problem he sustained before his arrival at the club. 'He has not trained due to the bruising in his heel,' he said. 'It may be too soon to play him tomorrow but we hope he will play a part in the game. Gareth Barry will take part in tomorrow's game. 'Emmanuel Adebayor is expected to be in the country tomorrow but will not play in tomorrow's game. He will however be available for the final.'

Source: Daily_Mail