New Fulham boss Mark Hughes targets Man City trio in squad shake up

Mark Hughes signed a two-year deal as Fulham boss last night – and will now have to work fast ahead of the transfer ­deadline.

Among his priorities will be moves for Manchester City pair Stephen Ireland and Craig Bellamy.

Ireland was outstanding at City for Hughes, while Bellamy has played some of his best football under his fellow Welshman – for City, Blackburn and Wales – but is also a target for Tottenham.

Both players are surplus to requirements at ­Eastlands, and Hughes could even move for City’s Paraguay international Roque Santa Cruz, who impressed under the Welshman at Rovers.

Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell, 27, agreed terms on a £2million move to Craven Cottage three weeks ago, pending a medical, and ‘Sparky’ must decide whether to go ahead with the deal.

And Villa team-mate Luke Young is holding out for a move to Fulham after rejecting Liverpool after the clubs had agreed a £2.5m fee.

Hughes will also have to ease uncertainty within the squad over the futures of NINE senior Fulham players with just a year left on their contracts.

They include 33-year-old skipper Danny Murphy and keeper Mark Schwarzer, who was the subject of a rejected £2m bid by Arsenal.

Hughes said: “I’m joining Fulham on the back of two of the most successful seasons in the club’s history and that in itself brings with it the ch allenges of expectation and ambition.

“I’m confident that with some additions to the squad, hard work and commitment, we can move this club forward.”