In his programme notes for yesterday's defeat by Chelsea, Manchester City boss Mark Hughes admitted the record deal for Robinho could be a one-off.

Hughes wrote: "Bringing Robinho here shows that we are serious about our intentions for the future, but when looking at more players I will always try to get the best value, where I can, if the right player is attainable. We'll still look for good, young players who will gain value because that is what I always think is the right thing to do.

"Pablo Zabaleta is such a player, he is someone I have had my eye on for some time and I was delighted that we were able to sign him from Espanyol just before the end of the transfer window. He is a dynamic, high-energy defender and I think he will adapt straight away to the demands of Premier League football.

"Before all the excitement at the end of the transfer window, we brought Shaun Wright-Phillips back to Manchester City and I don't think the script could have been written any better for him! His performance against Sunderland made it look like he had never been away, and I know just how much everyone is looking forward to seeing him back in a sky blue shirt at the City of Manchester Stadium."