Hughes ‘very interested’ in want-away Bellamy

FULHAM manager Mark Hughes has set his sights on the ambitious signing of Manchester City’s want-away striker Craig Bellamy.

Hughes had previously said that he thought Bellamy would be out of his price range but he now seems keen on landing the former Liverpool man.

When asked if he would be interested in signing the striker, Hughes responded: “Yes. He was one of the top players in the Premier League and if he comes on the market, and if we’re in the position where we can conclude a deal for Craig Bellamy, then yes, we would be very interested.

“The way the situation seems to be forming for Craig that Manchester City won’t use him at Premier League level, so from Craig’s point of view it is very important that he makes the right decision for his career because a wrong decision could hurt him, so I wish him well in what decision he takes.”

Perhaps Hughes’ biggest task this summer will be convincing star keeper Mark Schwarzer to reject a move to Arsenal and stay at Craven Cottage. The Gunners made a £2m bid in May for the 37-year-old.

Hughes has revealed Schwarzer has handed in a transfer request but he is determined to hang on to the Australia stopper.

“Mark sees it (a move to Arsenal) as an opportunity with the current stage that he is at in his career,” said Hughes. “I can appreciate that but he has to understand that we have to protect Fulham too. At the moment it wouldn’t be right for Fulham FC.”