I personally feel there is more to come on this despite Hughes and Cooke's statements.
In Sport today, admittedly Barca's paper, they are running with the story that following a meeting with Txiki Begiristain City want to sell Robinho. The clincher for them is that Robinho wants out, and that Hughes does not rate him highly enough. In addition it seems that Dani Alves, not Elano, is his soulmate.
In my eyes there is no question that Barca want him. The question really is how much does Hughes want him.
Given that he was the star purchase by our new owner there has to be a lot of PR involved in this so that no-one ends up with egg on their face.
It is inconceivable that the Sheik wants to be embarrassed. So another high profile signing has to be made if Robi goes. My guess is that City will dress it up as 'well if a player wants to go to Barca what can you do?'.
The reality as I see it is that Robinho has been sidelined by Hughes for quite some time. He gets grudging praise in sharp contrast to that lavished on Tevez and Toure, who frankly haven't done anything yet compared to Robi's contribution did last year.
In Sport today, admittedly Barca's paper, they are running with the story that following a meeting with Txiki Begiristain City want to sell Robinho. The clincher for them is that Robinho wants out, and that Hughes does not rate him highly enough. In addition it seems that Dani Alves, not Elano, is his soulmate.
In my eyes there is no question that Barca want him. The question really is how much does Hughes want him.
Given that he was the star purchase by our new owner there has to be a lot of PR involved in this so that no-one ends up with egg on their face.
It is inconceivable that the Sheik wants to be embarrassed. So another high profile signing has to be made if Robi goes. My guess is that City will dress it up as 'well if a player wants to go to Barca what can you do?'.
The reality as I see it is that Robinho has been sidelined by Hughes for quite some time. He gets grudging praise in sharp contrast to that lavished on Tevez and Toure, who frankly haven't done anything yet compared to Robi's contribution did last year.