Manchester City are ready to offer Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho a new contract.
The Samba ace has rediscovered his peak form this season, scoring three times and dispelling his World Cup hangover.
The 30 year still has just over two years on his present deal but the City hierarchy want him to stick around for years to come.
Fernandinho arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk two years ago for a £30 million fee, and even waived a £4 million loyalty bonus to get his move to the Etihad Stadium over the line.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini is confident the Brazilians fitness levels will see him be able to play well into his thirties – and he wants this to be in the blue of Manchester City.
The board are now planning to open preliminary talks with the midfielder in the New Year.
Fernandinho currently earns a reported £110,000 a week and if all goes to plan he will have added another two years on commensurate terms by early 2016.
