Source: Daily_Mail
Barcelona play down bid for Manchester City star Robinho
Barcelona's chief dealmaker has arrived in Abu Dhabi only to play down the club's attempts to sign Manchester City star Robinho.[LNB]Txiki Begiristain, the club's technical secretary, as well as director of football Raul Sanllehi and board member Albert Perrin are in the Emirates for the Club World Cup draw but will go on to watch City play the UAE in a friendly there on Thursday.[LNB]The Spanish press insist Barca are closing in on a deal to sign the Brazil forward, but both clubs insist there will be no formal talks this week.[LNB] Uncertain future: Manchester City star Robinho faces Rangers in a pre-season friendly[LNB]The good life: Pablo Zabaleta on duty with City in Abu Dhabi[LNB]Begiristain said: 'We won't be meeting with City. There's a prior stage missing, which is a meeting between (coach Pep) Guardiola and me. Once the decision has been taken, we will follow the strategy for any signing.[LNB]'This meeting - between the manager and the technical secretary - hasn't taken place yet. So we're going to see the City match and that's all.'[LNB]Despite the public denials, Barca and Robinho are both reportedly keen on doing a deal and the presence of the player's adviser Chris Nathaniel in Abu Dhabi has raised suspicions.[LNB]The Barcelona-based El Mundo Deportivo newspaper claims that Robinho's father Gilvan de Souza has made it clear to City that his son wants to leave.[LNB]Mark Hughes insists that talk of Robinho being unsettled is mischief-making and the City boss is hoping to have his record signing back from injury for the match at Liverpool on November 21.[LNB]The former Real Madrid player has not played since injuring his ankle on international duty in September. [LNB]However, he has been able to start training, with the prospect of more to come over the next 10 days. [LNB]Robinho has flown from City's present base in Abu Dhabi to link upwith the Brazil squad ahead of their friendly with England in Qatar onSaturday. [LNB]Hughes is expecting the former Real Madrid star back in camp at some stage over the next two days. [LNB]And, such is his progress, it is possible he could feature againstRafael Benitez's struggling side when the Premier League recommencesnext weekend. [LNB]"I wouldn't close the door on it," confirmed Hughes."He probably needs a couple of weeks to get up to speed before heis considered for selection and I would imagine the Liverpool game willbe too close. [LNB]"It would be a big ask, but we will see how he goes next week." [LNB] Barcelona's a no-go, Robinho warned by City over Nou Camp transferCristiano Ronaldo: I wouldn't rule out joining the Manchester City revolutionBig-spending Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is always on the lookoutLap of luxury for City stars as they jet out to Abu Dhabi training baseMANCHESTER CITY FC
