Manchester City are prepared to sell Robinho to Barcelona in January - for the right price.

The Times says with sources close to Robinho indicating that he has not settled in Manchester since his £34.2 million transfer from Real Madrid in September last year, it has been no secret that a move back to Spain appeals greatly to the player. But City believe the latest developments prove that there are forces operating beyond their control.

For all City’s refusal to be bullied, player power remains rife and Mark Hughes is unlikely to keep someone who is unhappy in the longer term. However, the manager is planning for the rest of the season with Robinho firmly in mind.