Roberto Mancini's side took a huge step towards securing a first appearance in Europe's elite club competition since their debut in the then European Cup in the 1968/69 season with victory over Blackburn on Monday.
That put them four points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham with Spurs still to go to Eastlands next month.
City are also seeking to end a 35-year wait for a major trophy in the FA Cup final against Stoke but De Jong insists more can still be achieved in the league.
"You have to aim as high as you can and all we can do is focus on each game and keep collecting three points," he told mcfc.co.uk.
"We are in the top four and that is where we want to stay and the way to do that is to not think about the future only the next match. If we keep our focus then of course we can challenge for third place but all we can do is keep winning and see what happens."
Source: PA
Source: PA