Rafa Benitez has warned Manchester City now have the financial muscle to bully the Premier League's leading clubs this season.

City are tipped to become a new force in England's top-flight with the Abu Dhabi United Group poised to take control having agreed a takeover deal.

ADUG financed the club's shock deadline day move for Brazil international Robinho and are expected to help manager Mark Hughes spend big once the transfer window opens again in January.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Benitez's Liverpool have dominated the top four places in the Premier League in recent years, but the Spaniard believes City should now be regarded as major players.

And while Benitez accepts that it takes more than just money to secure success, he is well aware that the Eastlands outfit have seen their hand strengthened immeasurably.

Spending

He said: "You cannot just win the title by spending money but Chelsea won for two years spending big, big money. Afterwards Manchester United won spending lots of money too.

"If we are talking about spending money then maybe Manchester City will win the title this year.

"It is not just a question of money but if you have more money it is easier. If you don't have too much money, you must do the job as best you can.

"If we are talking now, maybe they (City) need time but if we talk in January, maybe they will buy five players... then you never know.

"But it is not just a question of 'I will invest more and I will win'. You cannot guarantee anything."