Cash-rich City have already smashed the British record by shelling out £32.5million for Brazilian superstar Robinho and the Abu Dhabi-backed club are being linked with Gianluigi Buffon and Kaka ahead of the January sales.

However, no matter who arrives - and the signs are it will be a more measured approach than merely aiming for the biggest names - Hughes feels it will be some while before City can take on Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal for the major honours.

"We have not had the benefit of one transfer window yet," said the City boss.

"We need to go through three or four before we can even suggest that we are going to challenge at the top end.

"There will come a point when everybody says 'this is the moment when we can have a real go'. We are nowhere near yet, everybody has to understand that."

Crucially, it appears the club's owners share the same philosophy, which eases the pressure on Hughes somewhat even if a club with such resources are still far too close to the relegation zone for comfort.

Hughes has already identified the problem area, admitting after yesterday's draw at Blackburn his team lacked a physical presence.

'A weakness' was how the Welshman described it, so maybe it is little wonder reports have emerged of a failed bid for Scott Parker.

West Ham might not be in a position to resist a double bid for Parker and Craig Bellamy for very long given the parlous financial state of their Icelandic owners.

Both would bring Premier League nous and, in Parker's case, some steel to the City midfield.

It is also the level Hughes will operate at as he tries to make the transition from also-rans to title contenders in a series of steps rather than one big one.

Amid the host of names City have been linked with, some are instantly dismissed, including Michael Owen. Others will only be of interest if major targets prove unobtainable, the category Jermain Defoe falls into.

Roque Santa Cruz looks certain to be the first arrival, with Hughes keen to ensure his squad is strengthened quickly to give City the best chance of a convincing second half to the campaign.

Whether skipper Richard Dunne is one of the men under threat remains to be seen.

The Republic of Ireland star has fallen short of the high standards he has been associated with this term and with City failing to keep the opposition out far too often for Hughes' linking, Dunne might be in jeopardy, along with Michael Ball, Nedum Onuoha and Micah Richards, only two seasons ago viewed as an England regular for years to come but having failed to build on his early successes.

However, one man Dunne is certain will be part of Hughes' plans is Stephen Ireland.

The academy graduate has become a major player for City this term, putting high-profile problems of the past behind him.

"Stephen has been the best player this season despite all the money that is available and the international superstars in the squad," Dunne told www.mcfc.co.uk.

"He has been the one that has shone.

"He has worked that hard and been that determined that no matter who we sign he will be the first choice when the team is picked.

"I am sure the manager will strengthen in certain areas, but I don't think there will be a load of world superstars coming in.

"It's more likely to be a few players that will fit in around us and who know the Premier League."

Daniel Sturridge, who scored at Ewood Park before setting up Robinho's last-gasp leveller, is another with a bright future, provided Hughes can persuade the England Under-19 star to remain at Eastlands.

Chelsea were keen to sign Sturridge last summer and Hughes knows the youngster has plenty of admirers. But he feels Eastlands provides the best long-term platform for the striker's talents.