Hughes confident squad can compete at top

Mark Hughes now has a squad he is convinced can challenge the Premier League's big boys. The £22million capture of Joleon Lescott from Everton on Tuesday night was Manchester City's eighth summer signing, the vast majority of whom are used to battling more major honours. So, although chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak claimed in the spring that a top six finish would be the goal this term, far better is expected from a club who have spent £120million since last term ended, and way over £200million in the last three transfer windows. Not that Hughes is bothered by that. Having got the men he wanted, the Welshman knows his team must now deliver. "There is a demand and an expectation about what we can achieve in the future," he said. "We are comfortable with that. I know I have a group of players who can compete at the top end of the table, which was my remit when I took over."

Source: Eurosport