City chiefs on global talent hunt

Intnl FootballMan City's new owners have drawn up a hit list of the world's best players - and aim to win the Champions League within three years.

The Abu Dhabi Group has stunned the footballing world this week with their move to Eastlands and have wasted no time in outlining their ambitious plans for City in the immediate future.

As well as signing Brazilian ace Robinho for a British record £32.5m, City's new owners also failed with mega offers for Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov and Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o.

But Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, who heads the Abu Dhabi Group, revealed they don't expect to fail when the transfer window reopens in January with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Cesc Fabregas all on his wish list.

Berbatov also remains a target while the new owners are targeting a top four finish this season, winning the Premier League next season and finishing as champions of Europe in 2011.

Al Fahim said: "This is real, not a dream. We aim to be in the top four this season, we aim to win the Premier League next season and within three years from now we want to win the Champions League.

"We have the money and the manager to do it. We aim to have the best players in the world at Manchester City and one of the most exciting teams around that everyone will want to watch."

"We have a great manager with the same passion and commitment that we have. I will be meeting Mark to discuss the plans. Every transfer will be made with his full consultation.

"My personal favourite in the world at the moment is Ronaldinho, who City have tried to get. But believe me, we will try again with Mark's agreement - and get him.

"By the time the next transfer window comes around in January the whole world of football will become aware of what is going on here and what our plans are.

"That is when the opportunity will be greater to get this club the best players."


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