Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour is determined to bring Valencia striker David Villa to Eastlands before the end of January.

The Daily Mail says there is genuine hope that Villa or Kaka, of AC Milan, may be prised away from their clubs.

It is understood that Spain striker Villa is considered the most viable target by City boss Mark Hughes and work is ongoing behind the scenes to do a deal with the player and Valencia.

One problem City are facing as they look to attract world stars to Eastlands is the wages that the players are demanding, with Villa a prime example.

Aware that the Premier League club is effectively the richest in the world, players are looking to cash in and it is understood that all the major world stars made aware of City's interest have been quick to be clear that they wish to be placed in the £200,000-plus a week category.

The problem for City is that, despite Sheik Mansour's riches they do not wish to be seen as easy targets for greedy players.