City line up Villa swoop

MANCHESTER City could be about to shatter the world transfer record with a £60million bid for Spanish striker David Villa.

The 27-year-old Valencia player’s agent has reportedly already had talks with City about a move to Eastlands.

Villa, one of the stars of Spain’s Euro 2008 triumph, has been a target for many of Europe’s top teams. But he may be tempted to join City by the lure of a five-year contract worth £150,000 a week.

City are also reported to be lining up a £15m move for Inter Milan’s 28-year-old Argentine midfield star Esteban Cambiasso.

The arrival of Cambiasso would cast a cloud over the future of 20-year-old Michael Johnson, who has been plagued by an abdominal injury for the last year and who is still out of action.

There have been further reports that Mark Hughes will quit as City manager if their new Arab owners continue to interfere in team affairs.

Hughes is said to have told chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that he has to be in charge of all matters relating to the playing side.