The unpredictable Robinho could be used by Manchester City as a piece of transfer bait ahead of the January transfer window. Robinho has been in and out of the City side for various reasons ever since he joined the club two summers ago.

Mark Hughes is showing his ambition as the manager with every game that passes and with even more big names lined up for City, Robinho could be the first player who finds himself moving another way for a more solid player.

Hughes said: “There were a lot of questions — would we be able to gel early as a team, would so-called egos in the dressing room be able to be managed — being asked of us before a ball was even kicked.”

“I think we have answered each and every one of them. We know there is a long way to go but we are pleased with the start we have made because we needed one. The review we have had of the first phase [of the season] has been good.”

Among the new names that have been connected with the club is Barcelona captain, Carlos Puyol. The Spain international is nearing the end of his career and is quickly running out of time in terms of being able to go to another club and experience a new challenge.

The big problem so far for City has been that their defence does not appear to be tight enough to keep out the most talented if sides that can score goals against them easily. This was demonstrated perfectly during the Manchester derby where they were able to score three goals at Old Trafford but still lost the match.

Puyol would probably also arrive as captain and he would bring a huge presence. He would demand perfection and could effectively seal the defence up. With Shay Given in goal, arguably one of the most under rated goalkeeprs in the history of the game, if the move comes off it would be a Hughes master stroke.

The reason that Robinho, a very good player, would be sacrificed is because Hughes is going after stability and not unpredictability. The only way City will start to win things every season is if they have a team that is full of reliable and consistent players. Not the sort of players that turn up for training late or only perform when they feel fit enough themselves.