Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes refuses to court Everton approach for Nedum Onuoha
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has insisted he has no intention of giving up Nedum Onuoha as he bids to sign defensive upgrades this summer.
Onuoha has emerged as a target for Everton in the wake of City's bid to bring Joleon Lescott the other way, but Hughes does not want to let the 22-year-old academy graduate leave after a string of impressive performances last season.
Despite the huge sums of money City have spent, Hughes has repeatedly said he intends to keep a core of homegrown players at the club, and Onuoha fits that bill.
"Nedum is one of our finest young players," Hughes said in the Manchester Evening News. "He was outstanding for us last season, and I am not looking to move one of our prize assets away from City."
Meanwhile, Manchester City will travel to play Barcelona in a friendly at the Nou Camp on August 19 - four days after kicking off their Barclays Premier League campaign at Blackburn Rovers.
City were originally due to play Everton on that night, but the fixture has been rearranged due to theToffees' Europa League qualifier.
Instead, City will enjoy a meeting with the European champions, playing for the Joan Gamper Trophy.
City, who have met Barcelona five times previously, all infriendlies, last played the Catalan giants when they helped to open theCity of Manchester Stadium in 2003.
City beat a side featuring Ronaldinho, Xavi and Andres Iniesta 2-1 with goals from Nicolas Anelka and Trevor Sinclair.
The club also plan to play a friendly against the United Arab Emirates national team in Abu Dhabi on November 12.
