"It is a long period, dominating for five years. I don't think we have an easy task, but I do think that this team will get better and if they stay together it will give them a real chance. I expect Arsenal and Liverpool to add to their squad and certainly Chelsea to add to theirs.
"We have three, maybe two, targets. The owners are aware of that, David [Gill] is aware of that. There is competition for the best players and, if there is competition, they cost. Chelsea paid £27 million for Michael Essien. They can outbid us all.
"We are always an attraction for new players because we have 76,000 watching us every week and this club has a celebrity status throughout the world. However, the real competition comes when you have to pay £27m for Essien. Chelsea can do that. We are trying to identify players as quietly as we can so we can do the deals as quickly, and as quietly, as we can."