Mansour on cash backing

Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour admits major funds have been guaranteed for Mark Hughes to spend in January.

Mansour has already dismissed suggestions of a managerial change, despite the club's recent poor run, after speculation mounted that Hughes' future was in doubt.

Now the owner has insisted that funds will still be there for Hughes when the transfer window reopens, after holding talks with the manager in recent weeks.

Mansour revealed to the Telegraph: "Mark shared with me his plans for how the team should be developed.

"His strategy is compelling and he has my absolute mandate to implement his plans to evolve this team in the right way over the short, medium and long terms."

He added: "I fully endorse the plans approved by the Manchester City board that Khaldoon (al-Mubarak, the chairman), Mark and Garry shared with me. They reflect our shared aim of seeing Manchester City evolve to become a significant force in the world of football."