Man City score Zabaleta while still holding on to Corluka

Sky Sports.com reports that Manchester City manager Mark Hughes expects to sign Argentine international Pablo Zabaleta.

Zabaleta is in England to discuss personal terms after City triggered a £6.45million release clause in the Espanyol defender’s contract and the deal should be concluded today.

“Pablo’s obviously here and we’re discussing his situation. We hope that it’s going to be concluded,” Hughes told the Manchester Evening News.

“We’ve got time enough, barring any last-minute hitches. He’s of the right quality that we’re trying to attract.”

Hughes, though, insists the possible arrival of 23-year old Zabaleta would not mean that Vedran Corluka will definitely leave City.

Corluka has been linked with a move to Tottenham, but Hughes has hinted that he is keen to keep hold of the 22-year old Croatia international.

“People shouldn’t make assumptions,” Hughes added when asked about Corluka’s future.

“The thing with any team I’ve been involved in is that I don’t allow players to leave unless I feel that the club will become stronger as a consequence.”

“At the end of the day, it will be my decision whether anybody leaves.”

[Source: Sky Sports.com]