Man City hint at transfer caution

Sheikh Mansour (left) is set to go for quality rather than quantity

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has cautioned against expecting a lavish spending spree from the club this summer.

City, who are owned by billionaire Sheikh Mansour, have qualified for next season’s Champions League and are being linked with numerous stars.

But Khaldoon said: “It won’t be like last summer, or the summer before.

“What you will see this year is strengthening the squad in areas that we feel require more depth.”

He added: “We don’t need quantity, as today we have quality. We just need a couple of players.”

With European football’s governing body to implement new rules to prevent clubs from spending more than they generate from the 2012/2013 season, City will have to start balancing their books to meet Uefa’s guidelines.

City have spent up to £350m on players since Sheikh Mansour bought the club in September 2008. The Arab tycoon’s investment as a whole is predicted to be about £1bn.

But the funding has been rewarded with manager Roberto Mancini guiding the club to a Champions League berth for next season and winning the FA Cup for their first trophy since 1976.

City would qualify for the group stages of Europe’s top competition if they match or better Arsenal’s result in the final game of the season this Sunday to claim third place in the Premier League.

However, the Eastlands club would have to progress through a qualifying stage if they end up finishing fourth behind the Gunners.

“I feel strongly a winning mentality is coming into the team,” said Khaldoon.

“We have an incredible squad with so many talented individuals and a lot of heart in that squad.

“We have an incredible foundation for incredible years ahead.

“I am absolutely delighted for everyone involved in the club. The team, the players, coaches and the fans of course.”