Ruben Dias in talks with Manchester City over new contract

Manchester City have opened talks with Ruben Dias over a new long-term contract, only one year after the Portuguese centre back joined the Premier League champions.

The 24-year-old was pivotal to the Citizens' title charge last season, completely revolutionising a backline which ended the campaign with only 32 goals conceded in 38 matches.

Dias is set to land a new contract in Manchester | Visionhaus/Getty Images

Dias' contributions were recognised in the form of the Player of the Season award for the 2020/21 campaign, but Man City want to reward him further by tying him down to a bumper new contract, according to The Sun.

This comes only a year after the club originally signed the defender, who put pen to paper on an incredible six-year deal which runs until the summer of 2026. However, they are moving quickly to offer him more lucrative terms.

The Portugal international earns around £90,000 a week at the Etihad Stadium, which was more than double his salary at previous club Benfica. However, the £61m signing is still one of the lower earners in Manchester, and the Citizens will offer him a deal which reflects his value to the team.

Centre-back partner John Stones recently penned a new long-term contract at the club, worth around £250,000 a week, and Man City will offer Dias a deal similar to that of the England international in an attempt to secure and reward their talisman.

The centre back transformed Pep Guardiola's side last season, arriving at the end of September, after the Citizens suffered a shock 5-2 defeat to Leicester City. He instantly improved the defence, leading by example and conceding only 26 further goals throughout the campaign.

His commanding performances guided Man City to their first ever Champions League final, although they couldn't get over the line against Chelsea. Dias also featured heavily for Portugal at Euro 2020, where the Selecao failed to defend their crown.

Dias will be aiming to help Man City end their pursuit of the Champions League trophy this season, as well as retaining the Premier League title amid stern competition from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.


Source : 90min