Manchester City centre-back Joleon Lescott has said that his side's number one priority this season is the Premier League, not the Champions League.

Roberto Mancini's side are dominating the domestic standings so far and could extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points with a win over Liverpool this afternoon. However, following their 2-1 defeat at Napoli in the Champions League earlier this week, the Citizens are on the verge of a shock exit from Europe's top club competition.

Even so, Lescott insists that the Premier League is more important to the team this season.

"If we go out of the Champions League it'll be a huge disappointment, but the truth is the Premier League has always been our priority," he said.

"People might not believe that but the aim last year was to qualify for the Champions League and win a trophy – like we did – and this time the goal is to win the title itself.

"We want to be champions. The Champions League is a fantastic tournament but the real measure is how you perform in the Premier League over the course of the season."

City are currently clear at the top of the table by four points after Newcastle held Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.