Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester City managing director Garry Cook has warned the Premier League the Blues new owners are thinking 'large scale' - and that could include a bid for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Within the space of 24 hours on Monday, City went from being a crisis club lurching from one mishap to another under Thaksin Shinawatra to the richest club on the planet.
Provided their new owners from Abu Dhabi back up their statements with hard cash, there appears little to prevent City muscling into England's big four and beyond that, into Europe.
And having made a significant statement of intent by spending £32.5m on Robinho, no player costs too much, with an attempt to prise Ronaldo from Manchester United definitely on the agenda.
"Never say never in this game," Cook told Century FM.
"It changes on a daily basis. Just two years ago this club was looking at a very different type of player. Now, nothing is going to stop us.
"When you are moving the club forward you stop at nothing to get some of the best players.
"It's very competitive but you have to rely on the manager's judgement and the player's desire to play for the club."
The United Group for Development and Investment are still in the process of completing their takeover of the Eastlands outfit.
But already thoughts are turning to January and the players that will be brought to the club.
It has been suggested they offered Real Madrid a blank cheque to sign Ruud van Nistelrooy on transfer deadline day, as well as trying to hijack Dimitar Berbatov's move to Old Trafford.
Neither deal came off. But the oil men from the Middle East are serious players, with City set to reap the reward.
"When it comes to ambition you have to think large scale," said Cook.
"We are only into the memorandum of understanding with these people but they are talking big. They have been very vocal about their ambitions for the club.
"We are entering a new era. The fans are going to see the best players in the world. That is what they are looking forward to the most."
Robinho is pencilled in for his debut against Chelsea - the club he said he wanted to leave Real Madrid to join - when Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jo will make their home debuts.
That trio alone cost City nearly £60million, with the arrivals of Tal Ben Haim and Vincent Kompany lost amid the frenzy that has accompanied the buy-out.
And, according to Cook, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
"With the trend that has just been developing, you have to assume that Mark will have more money to spend in January," he said.
"He wants to bring better players to the team although it should not be forgotten that we have one of the biggest academies in the League as well."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments