Hughes brought the England international back to Eastlands from Chelsea when he was City manager in the summer of 2008.
He was hoping to sign the 29-year-old for the Cottagers but negotiations have hit a stumbling block - reported to be wages which City will not subsidise - which Hughes is not sure can be overcome.
"We've enquired, that is well documented, but it seems that it is becoming more and more difficult and more things are being put in our way to stop us being able to conclude that," he said.
Source: PA
Source: PA