Hughes slams talk of move for Casillas

MARK HUGHES has dismissed reports linking Manchester City with a £100million-plus move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

The City chief says the story ought to be taken with “a pinch of salt” and blamed agents for whipping up the transfer frenzy.

Hughes said: “There is a lot of speculation about all manner of players and there are a lot of people trying to jump into the middle of deals which they are trying to manufacture themselves.

“They are making assumptions as to players we are supposedly interested in and they are trying to cover all bases.

“If we go into the market we will deal with the clubs directly. We don’t need intermediaries or anybody jumping in the middle trying to make a profit on any business we are going to do.

“There is almost a month before the transfer window opens and it is going to get worse before it gets better. If we understand that then stories that have come out will be taken with a pinch of salt.”

Elano has joined City’s mounting injury list after limping out of last night’s UEFA Cup tie against Paris St Germain at Eastlands with a groin strain which is likely to keep him out for at least two weeks.

It leaves City’s midfield even more depleted with Michael Johnson and Martin Petrov already out long term.

Hughes is optimistic that Robinho, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Micah Richards, who all missed last night’s game through injury, will have recovered in time for Saturday’s Premier League game at Fulham.