MARK Hughes is ready to link up the Toure brothers at Manchester City. (The Sun)

The City boss is eyeing a swoop for Yaya Toure after Barcelona hinted they are ready to let him go in January.

The Ivory Coast midfielder, brother of City skipper Kolo, has been on Sparky's hitlist for the best part of 12 months.

Yaya, 26, was again on the bench against Osasuna on Saturday with Barca considering a transfer-window raid for Javier Mascherano, who has still to thrash out a new deal with Liverpool.

Hughes is determined to bring in a top holding midfielder and Toure fits the bill perfectly.

The Eastlands chief and assistant Mark Bowen watched Barca's 1-1 weekend draw, primarily to view Osasuna right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.

City are also keen on Inter Milan full-back Maicon, but have earmarked Azpilicueta if they fail to land the Brazilian.

Yet they are well aware of the uneasy peace currently existing between Toure and Nou Camp bosses and his ability to play in midfield and the heart of defence is a major attraction.

He was offered only a modest increase in wages to �45,000 a week and is one of the lowest-paid players at the club.

Meanwhile, reports in Holland claim that City have joined the chase for Ajax's free-scoring striker Luis Suarez.

The Ajax hitman is believed to have been watched by City and with a huge transfer fund available, the Premier League club could secure the services of the Uruguayan striker.

Ajax head coach Martin Jol has urged Suarez to stay for another two seasons and that he should "leave as a champion".

Suarez has been in such impressive form last season and during 2009/2010 that City will face a major fight to secure the services of the Ajax striker.

Barcelona, Manchester United, Inter Milan and AC Milan have all been linked with the Uruguayan striker.

The 22-year-old striker claimed 27 goals in 41 appearances last season and also chipped in with 16 assists. So far this season Suarez has scored 21 goals in 17 games, including six in his last four matches.

Suarez is contracted to Ajax until the end of the 2011/2012 season and has played 26 times for Uruguay, scoring nine goals.