Despite their spending power, Manchester City boss Mark Hughes insists they won't be held to ransom in the transfer market.

If West Ham feel they can go on pushing the price higher by rejecting offers for Craig Bellamy and Blackburn are seriously waiting for an offer from the Blues for Roque Santa Cruz that would 'blow them out of the water', they might be disappointed.

"Maybe Manchester City will always be asked for a premium from this point onwards," said Hughes.

"But we place a value on players and we stick to them. If clubs ask for too great a premium that is their choice.

"I guarantee if the value is not good for Manchester City, we will walk away."