Mark Hughes says he can bring best out of Craig Bellamy
Mark Hughes will step up his interest in Craig Bellamy, insisting he would "bring the best" out of the striker at Fulham after Bellamy's falling out with the Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini.
Bellamy's future at City was thrown into doubt when the forward expressed his anger at being frozen out by Mancini, who excluded him from his initial 25-man Europa League squad. Mancini confirmed today that Bellamy would not make his 25-man Premier League squad either. Celtic have expressed an interest but Hughes is confident he can convince the 31-year-old Welshman his future should lie in the Premier League.
The Fulham manager has worked with the temperamental player on three previous occasions – at Wales, Blackburn and, before Hughes was replaced by Mancini, at City – and has often succeeded in drawing the best out of him. Hughes offered the observation that Bellamy becomes more difficult to handle when he has lost faith in his manager's methods.
Hughes had previously cast doubt on a move for Bellamy on financial grounds but is now hopeful City will be eager to offload a player who cost £14m in January 2009.
"He was one of the top players in the Premier League last season and if we're in the position where we can conclude a deal for Craig Bellamy then, yes, we would be very interested," Hughes said. "It seems 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."
Hughes refused to condemn Bellamy's criticism of Mancini, and said: "He is a very honest guy and if someone asks him a question he doesn't very often duck questions. I think it is quite refreshing, to be perfectly honest.
"I am sure we would bring the best out of him if he came here. Craig as a professional is an outstanding guy – one of the best I have worked with. Alongside that, he is a very demanding character. If he thinks people are wasting his time, he can react. The way I work, every training session has a meaning and there is a reason and structure behind it."
Hughes has revealed Mark Schwarzer could leave the club after submitting a written transfer request but said the goalkeeper will only be allowed to join Arsenal if they increase their £2m bid. The Australian, who could miss the trip to Bolton with a stiff back, is keen for the chance to play in the Champions League.
Hughes said: "If Arsenal come back with an increased offer we will talk. But they have not come back to us. My understanding is that Mark has made a transfer request. Mark sees it as a great opportunity but any deal we do has to be good for Fulham."
The Belgium international striker Moussa Dembélé was at Craven Cottage today for a medical before a £5m switch from the Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.