ANDY Griffin says Manchester City could be a Champions League side in the making, but doesn't expect them to break into the top four any time soon.

Griffin was part of Sir Bobby Robson's Newcastle side which finished fourth in 2001-2002 and third the following season.

However, he says the emergence of Chelsea since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003 has made it far harder for any team to get past them, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.

He believes Man City fans will have to wait at least three years for a top-four place, despite their takeover by a billionaire consortium.

He said: "At Newcastle, we finished third, fourth and fifth under Bobby Robson, so it can be done.

"But Chelsea are a lot stronger now than they were.

"Liverpool are also stronger, so I can't see anyone else getting into that top four in the near future.

"I think the leading four are miles ahead of anyone else, that's just how it is.

"To get into that four, anyone else would have to spend a lot of money, but also be very consistent over seasons."