Stephen Ireland set to agree Manchester City deal

14 May 2009 10:07
Ireland has scored 13 goals this season and has been an influential part of Mark Hughes's side, often overshadowing record signing Robinho and Elano. Ireland, 22, said he wants to secure his future at the club he still holds a passion for. "I want to play here until I am 33 or 34-years-old and hopefully I will get a contract sorted out soon and continue to play for the club I love for as long as possible," he said. Hughes said: "Stephen's had an outstanding season. I've congratulated him at every opportunity because it's fully deserved. "At the weekend it was very much a mark of the respect he has in the game now that he received the attention he did in the Manchester derby." Ireland's deal is a refreshing change for Hughes, who has seen a multitude of players being linked with the Eastlands club - ever since Kaka was touted with a £100 million move. Hughes said: "What everyone has to understand is that there are a lot of people out there who profess to have mandates to work for City. "They are approaching players, apparently on our behalf, telling them they can get deals for them and asking if they are interested."

Source: Telegraph