Manchester City could begin the season without a man in charge, following a series of events that have upset Mark Hughes.

Hughes signed on with the Citizens on the condition that he would not have to compromise the playing ability of his squad under the order of Thaksin or any other staff at City.

But the alleged deals for defender Vedran Corluka and midfielder Stephen Ireland to Tottenham and Sunderland respectively have soured Hughes' relationship with club officials.

Corluka even went as far as to having a medical and an agreement of personal terms with the North London outfit over the weekend.

Along with the front office dealing behind the Welshman's back, Hughes has not been given the funds that he was promised earlier in the summer. This has understandably upset the manager, and has even sparked a fight with Manchester City director Paul Aldridge.

This does not bode well for the City fans, who have seen their club sink into a crisis with these problems as well as Thaksin's future with the club. The former prime minister of Thailand has had all his assets frozen and is being wanted for corruption allegations back in his country.

Hughes' departure would be a new low to what has been an awful offseason for Man City.

"This is not the dream package sold to Mark," a City source said. "The club is falling apart and nobody knows how much longer Shinawatra will hang around."

"It feels as though we're in meltdown and all Mark is trying to do is hang on to everything for the sake of the club."

"But if it carries on - and players are sold without his consent - he won't stand any more. He'll just walk."

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