Manchester City refuse to be held to ransom over their transfer plans.

The Daily Mail says City have little interest in Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and although they have held talks over signing Yaya Toure, he is more likely to be used as a makeweight in Cesc Fabregas' return to the Nou Camp from Arsenal.

City have also been deterred by Toure's personal demands and Barca's £29m valuation, refusing to be held to ransom despite owner Sheikh Mansour's vast wealth.

A similar message has been sent out to Benfica, who have valued defender David Luiz at £36m, and Wolfsburg, who are demanding £35m for striker Edin Dzeko, with City warning they are prepared to walk away from negotiations.

Club sources denied reports yesterday of an unsuccessful £31.5m offer for Luiz, with the only firm offer on the table believed to be for Aston Villa's James Milner.