THE transfer window might be shut but Mark Hughes is planning to bring in three new "signings" in the next month.

Roque Santa Cruz, Vincent Kompany and Michael Johnson are all racing to be the first to challenge for a first team place after injury problems disrupted their pre-season preparations.

All three are set to feature in specially-arranged behind-closed-doors games against invited opposition in the next three weeks as their rehabilitation continues apace.

The team's strong start to the season has allowed Hughes to resist any temptation to rush the trio back too quickly.

But with Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure both likely to be away for the African Cup of Nations in January, the manager is particularly keen to get Santa Cruz and Kompany fully functional by the time autumn leaves start to fall.

"The international break has actually come at a good time for Roque," said Hughes. "Psychologically he's not missing any more games but he's adding to his fitness.

"When's he ready he will be involved, we want to get him in a City shirt and playing because he is going to be a big asset for us. With our options up front, we can give him the time he needs."

Kompany return

Kompany is also close to a return, while Johnson needs more cautious treatment.

"The approach we are taking with Michael is that we want to give him games to give him a base level of fitness," said Hughes.

"He's been out for a year, if we rush him back he could break down.

"We'll get him involved with the reserves, and if we get him and the other two up and running in the next month or so, it's like three new signings."

The returning threesome will increase the competition for places even further but Hughes says no-one is under any illusions about the need to rotate the squad.

"There's an understanding that at times the next game or opposition might not be the right one for them to be in the side," he added.

"I look at the opposition and the threats our players can make, and against different teams you need different threats.

"That will always come into my thinking and the players understand that situation."

Which of those three players do you think would command a first-team place? Have your say.