Manchester City have increased their pressure on Chelsea with their relentless pursuit of skipper John Terry. There is no longer a need for covertness, no longer a necessity to tip toe and advance tactically. This a straightforward surge for the skipper.

The latest development, which will have Chelsea frothing, has seen Manchester City boss Mark Hughes making open claims that "Terry wants to" and "Terry should" join City because "he wants a new challenge".

City, who captured Carlos Tevez (a player targeted by Chelsea themselves) are now close to administering another devastating blow to the Londoners, by tempting their star player and skipper with a staggering 200 000 pounds sterling a week.

Hughes has spoken of Terry as an "outstanding player and an outstanding person," The Guardian has reported.

He then went on to say that  "Terry should join Manchester city because he needs a change of scenery".

And regarding the astronomical wages that were offered to the player, Hughes claimed that "it is not about the money, but about a new challenge," the Daily Mail has said.

Once again, perhaps to fuel the fire, Terry himself has failed to either confirm or deny any ambition in potential change of allegiance. A player who is fully 110 per cent committed to one's club, particularly because he is also the team's captain, should have spoken long ago and either dismissed or confirmed the allegations. This also means that by the time it all boils over, regardless of whether Terry remains at Stamford Bridge or not, Frank Lampard could be made Chelsea's new skipper, due to Terry's apparent lack of loyalty and passion for the club.