Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has apparently been boosted by the cash injection from the deal agreed over the club’s ownership with Abu Dhabi United Group, and the Eastlands outfit are linked with a deadline day move for Tottenham Hotspur’s wantaway star striker Dimitar Berbatov, Valencia ace David Villa and Newcastle United captain Michael Owen.

Berbatov has all summer been a target for Manchester United, while Barcelona and recently Bayern Munich, have also been linked with the Bulgarian international. The Manchester Evening News has now reported that City have made a £28 million bid for the 27-year-old.

Spain’s Euro 2008 star Villa, also has been one of the top players in Europe to have attracted attention of the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, but the 26-year-old recently signed a new deal at the Spanish club. However, City could test the resolve of the Los Che, whose financial troubles have been much-publicised.

Another player who is said to be a target for City, is England forward Owen, who enters his final season at Newcastle and is yet to sign a new contract with latest reports suggesting that the Magpies offer is on the table, while a cut-price £6m move is also a possibility in the few hours remaining on the deadline day. The 28-year-old former Real Madrid player is also linked with Tottenham and Everton.