On Dunne he said, without a hint of irony: "It is as good as done.

"He is a really important player for us. It was one of my priorities when I became manager to keep him."

On Hart, he added: "Joe is another one we want to stay. We hope to resolve his situation.

"Those negotiations are ongoing but I think there is a will on both sides."

Meanwhile, Hughes remains determined to lure Ronaldinho to Eastlands.

Talks are on-going between the club and the player's representatives after he was off-loaded by Barcelona.

City today stated their ambition under Hughes by completing the signing of 21-year-old striker Jo from CSKA Moscow.

Now they want to tempt his fellow Brazilian after splashing out an undisclosed club record fee, believed to be £19million.

Hughes claims Ronaldinho has given out encouraging signals.

"He is a world star and if these things are going to happen they are likely to take a bit of time and we are patient," said the former Blackburn boss.

"In the discussions he has had with the club I think he is very positive about the idea of coming here.

"It is a process that is on-going. It has not slowed in any way shape or form and there is no immediate deadline."

Ronaldinho has been linked with a move to Chelsea under new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Questions have also been raised about the playmaker's form and fitness.

But Hughes remains adamant they can give Ronaldinho the platform he needs to get back to his best.

The City boss said: "Perhaps in the last 18 months he has not reached his potential.

"We are offering him an opportunity that will stimulate him and enable him to get back to the level he was at before.

"I think it could be an interesting idea for him. Maybe what we are doing here would attract him more than going to an established Champions League club.

"The decision will be his, of course, as I am sure he will many offers. Whether he can see our vision remains to be seen."