Manchester City are talking with top architect Rafael Vinoly about designing a £1billion sports and leisure complex at Eastlands that will make the club the envy of the football world.

Sheikh Mansour, who is prepared to spend what it takes to build a team capable of challenging for the top honours on the pitch, has approached Uruguay-born Vinoly to mastermind a stunning 200-acre development that will transform east Manchester, says the Sunday Mirror.

Vinoly, 66, will get a brief that will include building a £5million state-of-the-art training complex bringing Roberto Mancini's senior and youth players on to the same site close to Eastlands.

Other ideas being considered are a five-star hotel, sports and leisure centres, restaurants and bars.