Manchester City's transfer scramble saw them bidding for Valencia striker David Villa and Stuttgart forward Mario Gomez.As the dust on their blockbuster signing Robinho settles down, it has now been revealed that the club, who were bought over by Arab consortium Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment, made late gasp dashes for the striking duo.
However, both bids for Villa and Gomez bore no fruit as Valencia refused to entertain any bids for Villa who only last week signed a new contract extension while a move for Gomez also failed to materialize.
More sensational reports emanated that the Citizens did indeed outbid arch rivals Manchester United for Dimitar Berbatov with a late US$70 million offer but with Berba's heart already set on a move to Old Trafford, Mark Hughes was powerless in convincing the Bulgarian to change his mind.
Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, who is heading up new owners new owners Abu Dhabi United Group confirmed the club's transfer hive, saying: "I am hopeful about Berbatov, but I need to speak to our colleagues in England to see what the latest is.
"We have bids in for three players. There is Berbatov, but there is also David Villa and Mario Gomez. We have bids in for Villa and Gomez."
Villa was top scorer at Euro 2008, netting four goals in Spain's triumphant campaign, while Gomez scored 22 goals in all competitions last season.
Al-Fahim has also endorsed his fullest support for Mark Hughes to continue his role as manager."
He added: "I don't want to put a figure on what will be available, like US$200million, because more than that might be needed.
"We are happy with Hughes. We need to sit down with him and discuss his targets."
" He has our support and we will give him the authority to sign the players he wants to sign. "
"Funds are available, and transfers such as these show we are serious."
Tuesday 2nd September 2008
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