Steve Bruce expects Manchester City Football Club to challenge for the title next season.

Bruce’s Sunderland almost took three points off the mega-rich Blues on Sunday afternoon, with Adam Johnson’s last-gasp equaliser earning a point for Roberto Mancini’s men.

City are challenging for a top-four place in the Premier League this season, but the Black Cats boss is predicting the Eastlands outfit to be fighting for top spot next term.

“It can’t be easy for them to have lived in the shadow of United for so long,” Bruce told the Sunday Sun. “Can you imagine your neighbours winning everything for twenty years?

“But now they have made huge strides in a short space of time because of their shear wealth. They will have to be considered title contenders next season and beyond.”

Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!