A City delegation led by chief executive Garry Cook flew to Italy yesterday to put a £100million proposal to Serie A giants AC Milan.

Late last night Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi could only claim he was "hopeful" that Kaka would remain at the San Siro.

While there was no official word from Eastlands, Berlusconi's assessment suggests the transfer may go through.

Aside from raising the obvious question about how City can sign such a world star while at the same time being unable to tie up other, less lofty targets such as Scott Parker and Roque Santa Cruz, it is to be assumed that Kaka's wage demands will be far in excess of anyone else in Mark Hughes' squad, including fellow countryman Robinho.

It has been suggested that the visit of Newcastle on January 28 has been pencilled in as a potential debut day for the former world footballer of the year, deposed by Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday.

Whilst City remain in a relegation dogfight, the prospect of seeing Kaka in action will excite every Blues fan.

Yet Hughes insists he is not a fan of the transfer window, which could yet lead one of the world's biggest names to his club.

"I don't particularly like the transfer window because you have to wait to address things that could be sorted out a lot more quickly under the old system," Hughes told the Manchester Evening News.

"I am sure there were reasons behind bringing in a transfer window in the first place but I cannot fathom what they were.

"There have been weaknesses in our squad for quite some time and I have not had the opportunity to address them.

"Now we get to January and prices are inflated and the expectations are heightened. I don't think it is a healthy situation."

Cook has now returned to Manchester and will await permission to talk with Kaka. However, one deal that seems to be inching closer is for West Ham's firebrand striker Craig Bellamy.

Hughes has worked with Bellamy twice before and sees the Welshman as a valuable addition to his squad. It seems West Ham are finally on the brink of allowing the player to leave provided City reach their £10million valuation.