At 21, Johnson has plenty of time on his side. Yet, before Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi-based consortium bought control of the Eastlands outfit last summer, a City title was not anticipated within the next 100 years, let alone 10.

It shows the mind-boggling speed of change at the Blue camp that few would be surprised at Johnson's claim. Indeed, some might feel the England Under-21 star is adopting a conservative view.

"Of course it is realistic to think Manchester City could be champions in my time at the club," he said.

"Every player at the club wants to finish as high as we can. But the truth is we want to win the league. That is the bottom line."

If the likes of Carlos Tevez and Samuel Eto'o can be snared, along with Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry, who have already cost City almost £30m, there should be no problem achieving the top-six slot Mark Hughes has been told is the minimum he must deliver next term.

Johnson accepts it is an exciting time for City, inside the dressing room as well as out. "It is fantastic to be linked with all these players," he said. "It would be even better to get them."