Mark Hughes has admitted he will try to sign players who can make an "immediate impact" in the transfer window.

Manchester City dropped into the bottom three of the Premier League after a 2-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion yesterday and have picked up only five points from nine games.

Hughes, the City manager, insists he has been given assurances by club owner Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that he will be in charge to embark on a spending spree.

But, although he is building for the long-term future at Eastlands, the former Wales manager is aware he needs to address the current situation quickly.

"There are certain areas of the squad which need strengthening and we will look to address those in the window," he said. "We are looking to bring good quality players to the club to help our situation and make sure that the club is moving forward in the future.

"There is no guarantee how many of those players we will be able to bring to the club. It is clear from everyone's point of view that we do need help. There is a big project and a big plan here for the club moving forward and people understand that. At the moment, it is a little bit hard for us because we are in the situation that we didn't anticipate - in the bottom three."

Hughes added: "We need to make sure we are positive, get the right players in that will have an immediate impact and, if we can do that, very quickly we will move forward.

"It is a process that is ongoing. We are not going to be able to change the culture and the mindset and the philosophy right through the club overnight. It is an impossibility. What you need is an ability to bring the right people in and make sure you grow the club and the team from within."

Benjani Mwaruwari, the City forward, is battling to be fit for the festive programme after suffering a thigh injury against West Brom.