Mark Hughes admits he wanted Brad Friedel at Manchester City Football Club.

The Blues manager was eager to add a more experience goalkeeper to his Eastlands squad in the New Year, to help 21-year-old England hopeful Joe Hart.

Hughes eventually signed Shay Given from Newcastle United, but prior to this, he moved for Aston Villa’s Friedel who he worked with at Blackburn Rovers.

"I made an offer for Brad Friedel, and even though in the end nothing happened, I still felt we needed more experience, then the opportunity with Shay presented itself,” he said.