Barcelona have not approached City over Robinho transfer http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores_d ... fer&id=239The Spanish press is currently full of stories linking Robinho with a move to Barcelona - and the consensus in Spain is that the Manchester City player will almost definietly be moving to the Camp Nou in January, either on a permanent basis or on loan.
However, contrary to reports, we can reveal that FC Barcelona have made no contact with Manchester City since the summer regarding a move for Robinho.
The Premier league club have no intention of selling their star player and Barcelona do not have sufficient funds to even consider making a large enough bid that might give City reason to reconsider. Furthermore, the Spanish champions are taking the prospect of Mark Hughes` club becoming a major European player seriously - and are eager to treat City with respect - which is why they have not even considered approaching them over a loan move for a player whom they know City have no desire to sell.
Mark Hughes considers Robinho a key player in his plans to progress the club to the next level and City have no intention of letting him go. However, the City boss faces having his man management skills tested to the full as Robinho is excited by the idea of a move to the Camp Nou and has already discussed the prospect with a Barcelona player.
City have ambitions of challenging for major honours, and know that selling a world class talent like Robinho will send out the wrong signals - which is why they will not allow themselves to be seen as bowing to pressure from Barcelona or the player. In the past this might have created a problem situation with a personality like Robinho, however the Brazilian - who has previous after publicly demanding a move from Real Madrid - insists that he is a reformed, more mature character. Only time will tell if that is the case...
