Manchester City executive chairman Garry Cook insists their bid to bring big names to Eastlands won't mean opportunities for the club's young players evaporating.

He told City's website: "Contrary to many opinions it is harder for us to do business. That's because the expectations are so high and people look at the finances resources as the ticket to success.

"That's truly not the case - the ticket to success is being able to give football fans a return on the money that they invest in this Club.

"That's going to involve putting great players out on the football pitch and giving them a great experience when they come to the games.

"We've also said it's not just about getting great players here, obviously that's a part of it, but it's also about the Academy.

"I was at Portsmouth last week watching us in the FA Youth Cup and they put on a great performance. We've got some great lads in there and that's nice.

"When you work that with sitting down trying to bring Kaka to the Club that's a balance we'd like to see."