STUART Pearce has warned the Manchester City board they need to splash some cash if they are to become a top-10 Premiership force.

After enduring a difficult spell during the early months of 2007, a three-game unbeaten run has eased the Blues' relegation fears.

Victory at Fulham this afternoon will see them hit the magical 40-point barrier which should guarantee safety with six games to spare.

Just getting to that position is remarkable given City have scored only 23 times this season, a figure only basement boys Watford have not exceeded.

After operating on a restricted budget during his two years in charge, Pearce feels it is now time for City to show their ambitions.

"Over the last two years, we have tightened our belts and steadied the ship financially," he said.

"Now, in the summer, we will probably need to speculate a little bit more and say right, we are going to improve the squad.

"We have gone into this season and our outgoings were £500,000. There are a lot of teams below us in this league who have spent £20million. That tells you a story in itself.

"We probably need to add two or three players in key positions."

Fulham v Man City