Man City boss plays down Robinho`s Barca talk

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes insists Robinho still has a future at Eastlands despite the Brazil forward’s reported admission that he would love to join Barcelona.

Robinho is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but he fuelled speculation of a January move to the Nou Camp when he was quoted this week saying that it would be a dream to play for Barca.

It is not the first time Robinho has been linked with a move since joining City from Real Madrid in 2008.

But Hughes said on Friday: “There is always speculation and noise surrounding Robinho. That has been the case since he came to the club.

“He is a great guy. We are not in the process of taking outstanding players out of the team.

“We want to complement the outstanding players at the club. We are looking to build, not dismantle.”

Hughes also revealed Robinho could make his comeback in the League Cup match against Scunthorpe in two weeks.

“The only frustration he has at the moment is that he is not fit and well,” Hughes said.

“I hope that will be resolved in the next week to 10 days, and he will be back on the pitch.”