Mark Hughes to begin Man City raid following Fulham appointment

MARK HUGHES could be set to raid his old club after being confirmed as Fulham's new manager.

Hughes has agreed a two-year deal with the Cottagers to become the successor to Roy Hodgson. The former Manchester City boss will take charge of his first match in a friendly against Werder Bremen on Saturday, 7 August.

But the most immediate task will be to bring in fresh blood to a Fulham squad honed superbly by Hodgson before his departure for Liverpool. He will also appoint his own regular backroom staff that includes Mark Bowen, Kevin Hitchcock and Eddie Niedzwiecki.

Hughes said: "I hope the Fulham fans will enjoy some special times during this season's campaign and we will work hard to achieve that."

Hughes is likely to turn to former club Manchester City to try and land Craig Bellamy, Stephen Ireland and Roque Santa Cruz whose futures are uncertain in Manchester.