MANCHESTER City claim there has been brisk business in Seasoncard sales in the wake of Thaksin Shinawatra's £81.6million bid for the club.

Prior to the news, more than 22,000 Seasoncards had already been sold ahead of the new Barclays Premier League campaign.

But City expect those numbers to swell considerably ahead of what could be an exciting era.

A new manager is expected to be named next week with former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson the preferred choice. He has been promised a transfer kitty believed to be around £50million.

Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh told the club's official website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "We were initially delighted with the number of early renewals we received from Seasoncard holders, along with the new applicants.

"But with a new manager and new players to come in before the start of the season, we look forward to more supporters becoming City Seasoncard holders."

Thaksin has made contingency plans should Eriksson choose not to make a return to management.

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

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

"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 shortlist. We have tried desperately hard to keep these things private and confidential as 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 and 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.

Is time running out for a new manager to shape a squad for the new season? Have your say.