Nigel De Jong has said that Manchester City must aim to challenge Barcelona as the best team in Europe next season.

The midfielder, who insists that Roberto Mancini's side must not lose focus of their goals for this season, adds that the club must also continue to build one step – and one season – at a time.

For De Jong, that means aiming to top world champions Barcelona next season.

"This is just the beginning," he told The Sun. "I'm positive this club will go from strength to strength and that's why big players are still coming in.

"If you want to become a dominant force you have to build step by step — and the next step for us is winning the title. Now we've won the FA Cup and everyone knows we are serious about winning the top prizes.

"This year, the Premier League is our aim, it always has been. Next year we have to go bigger and bigger. Maybe next year we can be No 2 to Barcelona in the whole of Europe."

Meanwhile, De Jong has been linked with an exit from the Etihad Stadium this winter.