The £22million capture of Joleon Lescott from Everton last night was Manchester City's eighth summer signing, the vast majority of whom are used to battling more major honours.

So, although chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak claimed in the spring that a top six finish would be the goal this term, far better is expected from a club who have spent £120million since last term ended, and way over £200million in the last three transfer windows.

Not that Hughes is bothered by that. Having got the men he wanted, the Welshman knows his team must now deliver.

"There is a demand and an expectation about what we can achieve in the future," he said.

"We are comfortable with that. I know I have a group of players who can compete at the top end of the table, which was my remit when I took over."

In fact, Hughes sat down with Khaldoon and owner Sheikh Mansour last December to plot a path for the future.

Hughes delivered a list of names he felt would make City stronger, knowing not all would come off.

In the case of high-profile targets Kaka and John Terry, that proved to be the case.

Others proved more approachable, with Carlos Tevez, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor - who has scored twice already in a 100% start to the season - the most notable names on the list of acceptors.

"We have probably done in two windows what would have taken a much longer period of time," said Hughes.

"But our feeling was we wanted it quickly and if we could acquire the players we needed then the club would be stronger going into this season.

"The window we have just had has been fantastic. The players we have been able to bring into the club is great. Not only in terms of ability but mentality as well.

"We feel as though we are in a better place."

Standing by the old maxim that "you never say never", Hughes is refusing to rule out the possibility of any more business being done before the September 1 transfer deadline.

There may be some going for exit door though, including Richard Dunne, who remains club captain but could possibly be making his final appearance for City in tomorrow night's Carling Cup encounter with Crystal Palace.

Aston Villa are heading the queue to sign the Republic of Ireland star who, with Nedum Onuoha signing a new contract during the summer and both Micah Richards and Vincent Kompany able to play in central defence as well, seems surplus to requirements.

A surfeit of defenders was not something Hughes was being accused of a few weeks ago, when the number of strikers on City's books was being attacked.

However, the former Blackburn chief insists the Blues' transfer policy was well thought through.

"We needed strength in depth in all positions," he said.

"People were questioning the amount of attack-minded players we brought to the club but we were looking for defenders at the same time. It was just that the attacking players fell into place quicker.

"It is clear to everybody now that it is part of a thought-out plan.

"It has never been a scatter-gun approach and we are delighted with the quality of the players we have been able to bring in."