Mark Hughes' transfer plans have been dealt a crushing blow after Lassana Diarra agreed to join Real Madrid in an £18million deal.
Moneybags Manchester City had hoped to kick off their lavish rebuilding plans with the defensive midfielder who manager Hughes believed would become the fulcrum of his side.
But, while City were prepared to offer more money and double France midfielder Diarra's £80,000-per-week wages, the lure of Madrid has proved a bigger pull. It is the first significant sign of the difficulties City will face despite the multi-million pound backing of Abu Dhabi owner Sheikh Mansour.
Hughes was confident of landing Portsmouth's 23-year-old former Arsenal star and they were prepared to go up to £20m.
However, Diarra has made no secret of his ambition to return to a Champions League club and a clause in his contract allows him to talk to one, should they make a substantial offer.
There are few bigger attractions than Real Madrid and they want Diarra to fill a void never replaced since Claude Makelele, who shielded an ageing defence, left for Chelsea in 2003.
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