Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is confident they can attract talent from the top drawer in January, despite their precarious league position.
Hughes said: "We have a project here and a football club that's in a time in its development that's very exciting and if players see an opportunity to come here we can offer them something that will stimulate them and allow them to progress.
"I think people are realistic about where we are in our development. What they will look at is where we are want to go and from a football point of view that's exciting for anybody.
"The fact is that at this moment we are not in a position would like to be but I think most people in football understand that's not where we anticipate being at the end of the year and as a consequence our ability to attract players won't be damaged."
Hughes, who denied having made a bid for Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra ahead of his move to Real Madrid, added: "We speak on a regular basis and we are looking ahead to the window and the players we think have a realistic opportunity of bringing to the club.
"When the window opens we will try and get those players in.
"We are going to turn it round. We are going to bring players in who will help the quality players we have here and when we do that then almost immediately there will be an upturn in fortunes."