Super-rich Manchester City could change transfer system's dimensions says Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill

Dec 3 2008 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O’Neill says Manchester City’s financial muscle could “change the dimensions” of the transfer system.

Mark Hughes is believed to be ready to rival Villa for one or two striker options with Blackburn’s £15million-rated Roque Santa Cruz and Wigan’s Emile Heskey both believed to be on their wanted list.

There have been recent reports that Roman Abramovich is tightening his belt due to the global financial crisis, whereas City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is believed to have prepared the way for a huge dart into the market.

“I have heard Chelsea talking about their particular situation,’’ said O’Neill. “Where it is interesting is that I really don’t know how the credit crunch would be affecting football.

“Maybe Manchester City could come in in January and make everything look second rate by what they do. I am only going on what everyone is reading, I have no inside track.

“But you get the impression: ‘Credit Crunch? What Credit Crunch’?

“If the rumours are true that they are talking about paying twice as much for players then that might change the whole dimensions of everything.’’

Hughes has been linked with moves for Stephen Warnock,