Man City still "second rank" - Huntelaar

One of the players reportedly targetted by money-men Manchester City on Monday (Sep 1) has seemingly described them as a "second rank club from Europe".

Ajax star striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar, who has been linked with a move to the English Premier League for some time, was apparently the subject of a last-gasp €40million bid from City, who are also thought to have attempted to sign Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy and Liverpool's Fernando Torres - the latter for a whopping £50million.

However, 25-year-old Dutchman Huntelaar, who scored 33 goals in 34 appearances for Ajax last season, claimed he is glad the transfer window is now closed, although he did hint the offer was turned down chiefly because Ajax had no time to sign a replacement.

He told NU Sport: "A second rank club from Europe was very serious and wanted to pay me a lot of money. But Ajax had no time to find a good replacement for me, so I understand the offer was turned down. I'm glad that the transfer market is now closed. On Monday, I was constantly informed of developments, but I will now remain at Ajax and that gives me peace."

Of course, Man City are still a "second rank club" in terms of their squad and what they will be able to achieve this season. But as soon as a few more players like Robinho sign for big money in January - and that is certain to happen - the likes of Huntelaar will be less likely to sneer at the prospect of a transfer to Eastlands.