LONDON: Fantasy football could well and truly be on show at Manchester City if an audacious attempt to sign John Terry from Chelsea succeeds.

City's Abu Dhabi owners are preparing a £60 million (S$137 million) bid for the Blues and England captain at the end of the season. The News of the World reported that City manager Mark Hughes was asked by Sheikh Mansour, who heads the investment company which owns the club, to identify the best players in the world in every position.

Hughes named defender Terry in his 'fantasy' starting XI and the club would pay Terry £200,000 a week, making him the highest-paid player in the world.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's multi-billion pound empire is thought to have been hit by the credit crunch and he could be tempted to cash in on Terry.

City's statement of intent could also be confirmed in January, when they finalise a £50 million deal for Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

While both Juventus and Italy's No.1 have insisted they will reject any offers, sections of the Italian media have reported that Buffon's wife has visited Manchester to look out for homes.