Pearce hopes quartet sign
12 Apr 2007 - 11:51:38
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce hopes to tie four more players to new contracts after Stephen Ireland's decision to pen a four-year deal with the club.
Emile Mpenza, Michael Ball, Sylvain Distin and Nedum Onuoha are all in the process of holding talks with the club, and Pearce is confident all four will be staying at Eastlands.
He told City's official website: "The chief executive spoke with Emile Mpenza's people on Wednesday night and I'll find out how it went today.
"I also saw Michael Ball's agent on Monday and had a very positive meeting with him.
"I also had a very positive meeting with Sylvain Distin on Wednesday afternoon, likewise with Nedum Onuoha's people last week and we're seeing them again this Friday.
"We're pushing things forward on a few fronts. There's a lot of good young talent and senior talent as well that we want to get tied up at this club.
"Hopefully we can add one or two more new faces in the summer to keep driving us forward."
Meanwhile, Pearce admits to being stunned by Fulham's decision to sack Chris Coleman with just a month of the season to go.
Pearce, who has come under pressure himself at times this season, said: "I can't understand it and I've spoken to a lot of people connected with the game, managers and coaches, and they can't understand it either.
"It seems to mirror society in a way. It's a little bit of a gut reaction.
"But then again, I base my personal life on being consistent over a length of time. Personally, I find it quite strange Chris Coleman has been moved on."
