FERNANDINHO will be rewarded for his excellent recent form with a new contract offer at Manchester City.
The veteran Brazilian has just a few months remaining on his existing deal and is free to talk to other clubs on the continent as of this week.
Man City veteran Fernandinho, 34, is to be rewarded with a new contract offerCredit: Reuters
Team-mate Riyad Mahrez got City fans worried when he let slip during a Q and A last month that Fernandinho would be leaving in the summer.
But it is understood the Algerian was mistaken – and City plan to sit down for talks with the 34-year-old and put a new deal in front of him.
And that would see the £30 million former Shakhtar Donetsk ace extend his stellar City career into an eighth season.
Fernandinho was converted from a defensive midfielder into a centre half by Pep Guardiola at the beginning of the season.
And with Aymeric Laporte and John Stones suffering injuries, he has become a key man for the champions this term.
Over Christmas, the 34-year-old has rolled back the years to play three Premier League games in five matches.
Brendan Rodgers is now the third best paid manager in the league… behind only Guardiola and Mourinho
And he has become almost an ever present at the back since Laporte was injured in the fourth game of the season back in August.
Fernandinho is believed to be keen to hear what City can offer him before he looks at what is on offer from elsewhere.
Despite his age, the Samba star remains very fit and is keen to play on for several more seasons yet.
And with David Silva already leaving this summer, City believe the experience of Fernandinho could be crucial next season.
Guardiola also played another midfielder – Rodri – in his makeshift defence in the 2-1 win over Everton on New Year’s Day.
But the Etihad chief admitted he was delighted the way the system involving young Spaniard Eric Garcia making it three centre backs – worked against the Toffees and hinted he may use it again.
He said: “Maybe it can happen and we can do it in the future. We made a good build up and the guys there are so good with the ball.
“Everything that happens starts from there, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden receive the ball in better conditions and that helps us to do better.
“I would do it again but we’ve had a lot of problems at the back. John Stones is coming back and we’d a lot of players with a lot of minutes in their legs.”
Man City share bizarre James Bond-style advert starring De Bruyne and Gundogan
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
