As the January transfer window approaches, and Manchester Cityïs new owners ADUG already promising to let Mark Hughes spend, the addition of another striker appears to be high on the wish list. We take a look at some of the players who have been linked with a move to Eastlands, and assess what kind of partnership they could form with Robinho.
Luis Fabiano (Sevilla/Brazil)
The most prolific scorer in Sao Pauloïs history has matured into a seasoned marksman at Sevilla, though City may face fierce competition from Chelsea and Spurs, not to mention Real Madrid. He would certainly not struggle with the robust nature of the Premier League. And he has already forged a regular partnership with Robinho in the Brazilian national time during Dungaïs time in charge.
Probability factor 6/10
Ronaldo (Unattached/Brazil)
The man they call the Phenomenon needs little introduction ï the three times FIFA World Player of the Year, and top scorer in World Cup history, has been sidelined since February when he suffered a serious knee injury playing for AC Milan. He is now in the final stages of his recovery, and has hinted he would welcome a move to Eastlands. Hugely admired by Robinho, who would relish the chance to revive their Brazil and Real Madrid partnership, and the chemistry between the two could be devastating.
Probability factor: 5/10
Amr Zaki (Wigan Athletic/Egypt)
Already a proven hit in the Premier League, despite arriving as a virtual unknown. Given that he is only on loan at Wigan, the predators are circling. As he is living in Lancashire already he would need no time at all to settle. Zaki has hit 7 goals in 8 Premiership starts. He would provide muscle and aerial power in the box, something that City are currently lacking.
Probability factor: 8/10
Roque Santa Cruz. (Blackburn Rovers/Paraguay)
The Paraguayan, another who has bedded down in the Premier League after an impressive first season with Blackburn. Tall, physically imposing, yet with two good feet, he would relish the sort of ammunition that Robinho could feed him from the left flank. Robinho and Santa Cruz could become Cityïs answer to Ronaldo and Berbatov. Santa Cruz has himself admitted that the prospect of lining up with Robinho would be a big incentive for a move to Eastlands.
Probability factor: 7/10
Wagner Love (CSKA Moscow/Brazil)
Joïs former strike partner at CSKA Moscow, and an occasional partner for Robinho in the national side, for whom he is a fringe player. Love has gone off the boil a bit in Russia in the last 12 months, but two years ago he was on fire, and one of the main forces behind CSKAïs UEFA Cup win in 2005. With a Brazilian colony already established at Eastlands, he would hopefully be quick to adapt to English football.
Probability factor: 5/10