Ranieri dreaming about Man City

Updated 09.26 Fri Jun 01 2007

Keywords: Premier League, Claudio Ranieri, Manchester City, football, sport, Thaksin Shinawatra

Claudio Ranieri is already dreaming of pitting Manchester City against rivals United after stepping down as Parma boss.

The 55-year-old former Chelsea manager is set to succeed Stuart Pearce in the City of Manchester Stadium hotseat as long as prospective new owner former Thailand prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra completes his takeover.

"The idea is to face Manchester United as soon as possible and be at the same level as them in the standings" - Claudio Ranieri

So committed is Ranieri to the idea of managing the blue half of Manchester that he has already set his sights on pitting his wits against Sir Alex Ferguson and his nine-times Premiership champions

He said: "The idea is to face Manchester United as soon as possible and be at the same level as them in the standings. With Manchester City, I hope to complete every stage. This time, I have been chosen whereas before, (Chelsea owner Roman) Abramovich found me at the club."

Thaksin's lawyers are dealing with the paperwork for his deal to buy the 29 per cent stake of chairman John Wardle and business partner David Makin.

Thaksin's advisors have insisted the process will not be halted by the damaging ruling in Bangkok that he had been involved in electoral malpractice, a verdict which prevents him taking up any political role for five years.

But an irrevocable undertaking to buy the shares, without which Ranieri cannot be appointed, is not expected for at least another week.

A transfer kitty of £50 million has been suggested, which would at least allow City to compete for players at a level they were unable to do during Pearce's two years in charge.

Having experienced life in both Spain, with Valencia, and Italy, with Parma, since leaving Chelsea in 2004, Ranieri is in no doubt the Premier League is now the place to be.

The Italian added: "At this time, English football is a fascinating window that hypnotises you.

"Some of the richest men in the world would do ridiculous things in order to buy an English club because the Premier League has become a luxury stage.

"To return to England means to be at the centre of something important."