According to News of the World, Manchester City’s new owners are targeting Steven Gerrard and Michael Essien among their next batch of super-swoops…

City manager Mark Hughes has been given free reign in the transfer market by the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), who took control of the club a week ago.

The Sky Blues’ revitalised ambitions were clearly demonstrated when they landed Robinho in an English record £32million deal from Real Madrid.

The likes of Ronaldinho, Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo have since been linked with mega-moves to Eastlands, and ADUG have made no secret of their desire to build the very best team on the planet.

However, the Arab owners have also stressed that all transfer decisions will lie with the manager.

Hughes was told to draw up a January wish-list when he met his new bosses earlier in the week, and the Welshman has made Gerrard and Essien his top targets.

A City insider told News of the World: “Mark knows money is no object but he also wants to bring in the kind of players who will fit in with his plans, not just spend massive money for the sake of it.

“Gerrard and Essien in the same midfield would be incredible.

“They would fit together perfectly and wouldn’t have to take time adapting to the English game in the same way as any big foreign name.”

The capture of either Gerrard or Essien, let alone both, would rock the Premier League. Both are among the very finest midfielders in the game and would no doubt have a huge impact at City.

Gerrard in particular would be a surprise signing. For despite flirting with a move to Chelsea a few years ago, the 28-year-old is seen as untouchable at Anfield - the skipper, the local lad, the childhood fan who represents the heart of the club.

But Hughes is confident of landing both players during the winter window, as he knows there are no restraints where funds are concerned.