Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has questioned the long-term interest of the owners of Manchester City in the club.

"You can understand the enthusiasm that the Arabs have for the game because it is such a fabulous sport and it is so big worldwide. You can understand their excitement and why they are throwing money at it," the Wigan owner told the Guardian.

"But that money makes every single Premier League club think: 'They could come in for one of our players,' and, instead of being realistic, clubs are asking £10m for £2m or £3m players. That is purely because of the Arabs coming in and throwing money at it. And it can't last.

"Once the Arabs have been in and lost a lot of money and haven't won the title or the FA Cup, or not got into Europe, are they going to keep pouring money in? Their enthusiasm will wane unless City get fabulous success. You've got to say that the Arab money is good for the league but it has sent every transfer barmy this summer."