Massive squad changes are being planned at Manchester City.

While Eastlands boss Mark Hughes is spending January trying to secure the experienced Premier League campaigners he desperately needs to avoid a relegation battle this season, the club's owner, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has a very different long-term vision for his side.

The oil tycoon believes if City are to topple the likes of local rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona to triumph on a domestic and European scale, the club must boast a squad of 22 of the biggest talents in world football.

Robinho's success since arriving in Manchester bears testament to the wisdom of splashing out on proven quality. More signings of his calibre are likely to follow as Sheikh Mansour begins to fulfil his dream of making City a global brand and a footballing force.

A club source told the Daily Telegraph: "There's a consensus among the owners and the manager that success is inevitably going to involve having depth of talent which involves having two players competing for every position."