THAKSIN TO SELL CITY - REPORTS

Thaksin Shinawatra is reportedly considering selling Manchester City.

The Daily Mail reports that the former Thai Prime Minister has 'explored the possibility' of selling the club that he bought a little over a year ago for around £80million.

Thaksin has made contacts with 'an intermediary in the financial world' about finding prospective buyers for City, a move that is unlikely to help Mark Hughes' preparations for the coming season.

The City owner still has over £800million of assets frozen, as well as facing corruption charges in his native Thailand, and cash-flow problems over the past could prove problematic for City.

The Mail claims Thaksin twice had to borrow money from former owner John Wardle to pay wages, and although that money has now been repaid, those issues may impact of Hughes' plans in the transfer market.

City are thought to have only spent £7million so far this summer - £3million on Tal Ben Haim, and a £4million down-payment on Brazilian striker Jo - and also owe significant further payments on players purchased last summer.

Hughes needs to raise cash to fund the recruitment of a full-back, a midfielder or two and a striker (thought to be Roque Santa Cruz), and will be worried by Brad Friedel's preference to sign for Aston Villa, reportedly because Villa could offer a more attractive wage package.

Furthermore, a deal for Morrocan defender Michael Chretien fell through on Tuesday after the player decided to sign a new contract with Nancy, rather than join City in a £3.5million move.