Source: Daily_Mail
Robinho to Barca rumours persist as City manager Hughes visits Nou Camp
Mark Hughes's presence for Barcelona's match at Osasuna at the weekend has raised speculation that Robinho is on his way to the Nou Camp. [LNB]But it is undersood that the Manchester City boss was actually looking for his own reinforcements. [LNB]Hughes apparently had his eye on home defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Nacho Monreal and would have been impressed to see Osasuna hold the normally free-scoring European champions to a 1-1 draw. [LNB] Speculation: City striker Robinho [LNB]Trip: Eastlands manager Hughes[LNB] City and Barca share burgeoning ties and Hughes shared conversations with Barca president Joan Laporta and technical secretary Txiki Begiristain, the Spanish club's dealmaker. [LNB]However, it is believed that Robinho's availability was not discussed, despite Barca's desire to take the Brazil forward on loan in January. [LNB] The Catalans would pay Robinho's £160,000-a-week wages for the second half of the season with a view to completing a permanent transfer next summer for about £32m, but City would only sell if their record signing demands a transfer. [LNB]Barca have other options lined up, particularly Ajax and Uruguay star Luis Suarez, who has also been linked to both City and Manchester United in recent days. [LNB]Hughes would reportedly be keen on Barca midfielder Yaya Toure if former Real Madrid star Robinho did make the switch back to Spain, but the brother of City defender Kolo did not play against Osasuna. [LNB] Target: Osasuna's Azpilicueta (left) was impressive against Barcelona[LNB]Nor did Thierry Henry, who is likely to sign for the New York Red Bulls next summer, rather than contemplate a move to Eastlands. [LNB]Of the two defenders watched by Hughes on Saturday, Azpilicueta shows great promise. [LNB]The 20-year-old is a versatile Spain Under 21 international who started his career in midfield before getting his breakthrough as an attacking right back for Osasuna. [LNB]Monreal is more experienced and has already been capped at full international level by Spain. [LNB]The 23-year-old left back was a regular for his country during the European Under 21 Championship this summer. [LNB] Mark Hughes will give Robinho his City exit... but only in the summerRobin van Persie wants revenge on City in Carling Cup quarter-finalBirmingham 0 Man City 0: Unsung Shay saves the day: Given spot on to deny Alex McLeish's men Manchester United eyeing £35m move for prolific Ajax striker Luis Suarez You need English lessons, Zabaleta tells fellow Argentine TevezMANCHESTER CITY FC
