Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has set his team the goal of reaching Europe next term - but ruled out a massive summer spending spree.
City could still end up in the UEFA Cup this year, albeit via the Intertoto Cup, but after a mid-season slump hopes of achieving a top six berth took a severe dent.
However, Shinawatra is keen to show the Blues fans his ambition remains strong and feels Europe would be the appropriate step before a tilt at the Champions League spots in 2009-10.
And so, while money will be provided by the former Thailand Prime Minister this summer, the major investment will not come for another 12 months as City look to force their way into the top four.
"I have a definite plan, a strategy: the first year top 10; the second year to qualify for Europe; and the third we want to be in the top four and qualify for the Champions League," said Thaksin in an extensive interview with City's matchday programme ahead of their final home game of the season against Fulham.
"We have to fit the plan. I know from what we have shown already this year that a top six spot will not be too much pressure but to break into the top four will.
"So that is when I will be prepared to spend a lot of money; to take us into the top four.
"The message is this: I will not be spending huge amounts of money this summer but next summer I will."
Although Thaksin did refer to manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, there was no mention of the ongoing speculation over the former England manager's position.
However, it is known the pair are due to meet at some stage over the weekend, with Eriksson convinced he will remain at Eastlands for the second season of his three-year contract.
