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. 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.  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. "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." 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. "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."  

Source: Telegraph