Sven-Goran Eriksson

Manchester City have applied to enter this summer's Intertoto Cup.

The competition provides an alternative route into the Uefa Cup if Sven-Goran Eriksson's side do not win a place via their position in the Premier League.

The fifth and sixth placed teams qualify and City currently occupy sixth spot but they want an insurance policy.

Eriksson told his club's website: "The deadline for the Intertoto Cup was 25 January and we are in it. Hopefully we won't need to but it's a possibility."

Entering the Intertoto Cup would mean City's season starting in July.

And Eriksson added: "I've already told the players, 'for you the holiday will be very short' - they know that."

City last qualified for Europe in 2003 when they won a place in the Uefa Cup through the Fair Play league.