Manchester City boss Mark Hughes admits he hopes to strike early in the January market.

"We want to get any business done as quickly as possible," said Hughes ahead of the Barclays Premier League home match against Everton.

"That means those new players will be available for a number of games in January.

"Some deals cannot be done that way. They drag on and go right to the wire, up until the last day and the last hour.

"We want to improve the quality we already have at the club. January gives us that opportunity to go into the market and acquire good players who will help us.

"The ultimate aim is to have a squad that is flexible and balances and one which can mean any challenges thrown at it."