Ranieri already has United in sights

Claudio Ranieri is already dreaming of pitting Manchester City against rivals United in a battle for local supremacy - despite facing a lengthy wait to be installed at Eastlands.

Ranieri last night quit as Parma coach having earlier confirmed his intention to succeed Stuart Pearce as boss at the Eastlands outfit, providing prospective new owner Thaksin Shinawatra pushes through his takeover plans.

So committed is Ranieri to the idea of managing City, he has already set his sights on tackling the giant of Manchester United, whose manager Alex Ferguson has seen a procession of Blues bosses come and go during his illustrious two decades at Old Trafford.

'The idea is to face Manchester United as soon as possible and be at the same level as them in the standings,' he said.

'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.'

However, at a meeting with club officials yesterday, Ranieri informed them he was leaving.

'Claudio Ranieri has informed the club of his intention to leave his role as first-team coach,' confirmed Parma in a statement.

'The club would like to thank him for the precious work he carried out, which resulted in keeping Parma in Serie A. We wish him success for the future.'

That process has proved painfully slow for City fans anxious to know who is going to be in charge of their club next season.

Having initially given the impression a deal would be concluded for Shinawatra to buy the 29% stake of chairman John Wardle and business partner David Makin by the end of this month, talks have dragged on, with paperwork now being handled by Shinawatra's lawyers.

Although the former Thailand Prime Minister's advisors have insisted the process will not be halted by the damaging ruling in Bangkok yesterday that Shinawatra had been involved in electoral malpractice, a verdict which prevents him taking up any political role for five years, an irrevocable undertaking to buy Wardle and Makin's shares, without which Ranieri cannot be appointed, is not expected for at least another week.

With an outline pre-season programme in place but unannounced, City officials remain relaxed about the situation, believing there will only be need for concern in terms of potential signings should the matter remain unresolved by the beginning of June.

And, as Ranieri has effectively turned his back on the opportunity to remain with Parma, who he guided to Serie A safety following his arrival in January, an element of certainty is becoming apparent.

A transfer kitty of £50million 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, whom he guided to the Champions League semi-finals in 2004, Ranieri is in no doubt England is now the place to be.

'At this time, English football is a fascinating window that hypnotises you,' he said.

'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.'