Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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Ireland: New deal not close

19 May 2009 - 08:39:19

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Midfielder Stephen Ireland claims he remains a long way from agreeing a new contract with Manchester City.

The consistent form of the 22-year-old Irishman has been one of few positives for manager Mark Hughes this season.

Reports last week claimed the midfielder was on the verge of sealing a £50,000-a-week contract to lengthen his stay at Eastlands.

However, Ireland claims the two parties are still a long way from reaching any sort of agreement.

"We're nowhere with the contract to be honest. We're still a long way off. Talks have barely started," he told the Daily Mirror.

"I don't know what's going to happen and if I'm going to sign or not sign. It's out of my hands right now, it's up to the club, not me.

"It's getting to the stage now where I don't know if I'm going to be signing or not. I think I've done enough this year, let my football do the talking.

"The club haven't really made an offer yet. If they make one great - if not, I've got two years left."