Robinho has called on Manchester City's board to strengthen their defensive options.

Robinho said: "It is important to have great attacking players, but all world-class teams are built from defence.

"When people think of Milan's success they think about Kaka and Shevchenko - but could they have done it without Maldini and Nesta? If we look more locally, Manchester United look so safe with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand and that is what we must aspire to.

"It is very exciting to be linked with the best attacking players in the world but we also must sign the best defenders - like we did with our goalkeeper, Shay Given."