Manchester City's prospective new owner Thaksin Shinawatra has made contingency plans should Sven-Goran Eriksson choose not to make a return to management.

The former England coach is Thaksin's first choice to succeed Stuart Pearce if his £81.6million takeover bid succeeds at Eastlands.

But other options are in place. Two managers who have already been linked with the vacancy are Sevilla coach Juande Ramos and former Porto and AZ Alkmaar boss Co Adriaanse.

"When you are interviewing for any job there are two uncertainties; one is who exactly who you want and whether the people you want want you," said executive chairman of Seymour Pierce Investment Bank Keith Harris, the man brokering the deal for Thaksin.

"It is for Sven to look at the opportunities which present themselves to him.  I think with some certainty a decision will be made next week.

"Three other managers are on the short-list. We have tried desperately hard to keep these things private and confidential, because it is not fair on the individuals."

Harris also dismissed concerns over corruption charges laid against Thaksin, ousted by a military coup, in his homeland.

"These charges are being prosecuted by an unelected military regime, and we all know they are politically motivated," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"We have done a lot of research. We are absolutely satisfied, and the Thai Central Bank gave their blessing for the transfer of monies to effect the takeover. That money has been in my client's bank account for some time now.

"It is sufficient to be able to finance the takeover and, equally significant we think, in a sensible budget, to provide funds for the manager."

Shinawatra admits it will take time to turn City into a force in English football.  But he is convinced it will happen.

"I want to see City in the top six," he told the Manchester Evening News.  "It will not happen overnight, especially this season. It is a bit late for us to do much.

"But this year will be much better than last year. Within three seasons, you will see a big change at City."

The ousted former Thai prime minister intends to attend every match should he remain in London.

He added: "We have room to improve the club, because we can bring in a new coach and new players. They have a good team, and we can add more strikers and midfielders to create a better team."