The Times reports that after a rocky summer for new Man City boss Mark Hughes, he will actually be given a decent-sized pile of transfer moolah to spend (albeit transfer moolah that was the result of a loan, rather than from Dr Thaksin’s pockets). Tragically for Hughes, it looks like any move for his number one target - Roque Santa Cruz - is dead in the water.

There is no doubt that events have unfolded in a very surprising way for Hughes, who was probably picturing himself wallowing in a jacuzzi full of cash when he took the manager’s throne, when in reality the owner’s Thai assets have been frozen, and there were rumours that City were on the verge of being dropped by Dr Thaksin.

Mark Hughes met Thaksin Shinawatra, the embattled Manchester City owner, for the first time yesterday to discuss a rethink of the club’s transfer strategy after being frustrated by Blackburn Rovers’ refusal to sell Roque Santa Cruz.

Thaksin was expected to spell out his vision for the club, but top of the agenda was signing reinforcements before the transfer window closes on September 1. Hughes, who was appointed in June, was told that there is money to invest in new players despite growing uncertainty over the owner’s position after his refusal to face corruption charges in Thailand. (The Times)

With Santa Cruz not on the cards, the Times suggests that Hughes may switch his fierce glare to Diego Milito; either way, it is clear that a striker is the priority.

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