Abu Dhabi-based business tycoons the United Group for Development and Investment have already stressed Hughes' future is safe under the new regime.

It means the former Wales star is going to be the first man to benefit from the massive injection of cash the Blues are about to receive.

They have already smashed the British transfer record by splashing out £32.5million on Robinho, with the promise of much more to come over the next few months and years.

Hughes refuses to look upon the situation as good fortune on his part. He prefers to believe it is all his previous hard work paying dividends.

"I would like to think I deserve a bit of backing," he said.

"If you look at my record in the Premier League, with limited resources, it is as good as anybody. With resources I back myself to be successful. I think the owners recognise that.

"In the last couple of years I have been talked of in terms of some of the top jobs in the Premier League so it is not as if they are getting someone who doesn't know what they are doing."

Hughes has not met, or even spoken to, City's new owners yet.

With all transfer business concluded until January, he does not feel there is an urgent rush for talks, especially as the loose ends of the takeover are still to be tied up.

But there is a fair chance Hughes will spend any spare time during the next few weeks drawing up a wish-list of stars, in addition to

players such as Cristiano Ronaldo that club officials have already mentioned.

And while Hughes will continue to look for value, he is prepared to pay over the odds if it means getting the right man, given he is in the fortunate position of working without the need for a budget.

"We will try to get value if we can but if we feel the right player is attainable and we have to pay extra, we have the means to do it," he added.

"I have heard there are no limits but we will also look for good young players because I feel that is the right thing to do."