Source: Telegraph
Manchester City will not be held to ransom says manager Mark Hughes
The Eastlands club lodged a £25 million bid with Barcelona for Eto'o last week but the deal is now in limbo after the Cameroonian international reportedly demanded a multi-million pound pay-off to leave the Spanish club, while sources at City remain coy about Tevez, who is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming days. [LNB]But while City have worked on both moves for several weeks – interest in Eto'o was first mooted in March, while Hughes is a long-term admirer of the Argentine – Hughes insists he is not prepared to be held to ransoms by clubs seeking higher fees or players looking to increase their wages. [LNB] Related ArticlesSport on televisionSanta Cruz wants City to sign Tevez and Eto'oManchester City still hopeful of Samuel Etoo dealManchester City Transfer TalkManchester City could make £9 million move for Edin DzekoManchester City line up record £40m Samuel Etoo bidHe said: "There's always an element of frustration when you can't conclude deals quickly. We will give every deal the patience we feel it deserves and if we get to a point where we feel things aren't going to happen and we feel the process is stalling then that's the time we walk away and we've done that in the past. [LNB]"It's difficult to say whether Eto'o is more likely now than a few days ago. We made an offer to Barcelona but now there seems to be a situation between the player and his club, and we're not involved in that. We have to stand back and see whether it develops." [LNB]Hughes has, at least, finally landed Roque Santa Cruz, after a chase lasting more than a year, and the Paraguayan is confident that, should Tevez and Eto'o arrive, he will play an integral role in helping City challenge for a Champions League place. [LNB]"Everyone knows what fantastic players they are; the quality they will bring to the team," he said. "It will help bring the sort of quality we need to make sure all the players improve and work harder." [LNB]
