Sven-Goran Eriksson today sought to allay fears about Richard Dunne's future at Manchester City and hailed Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player on the planet.
City skipper Dunne - who has enjoyed another outstanding campaign at the heart of his side's defence - is out of contract at the end of next season.
Despite months of talks with his advisers, no agreement has been reached and Dunne, 28, has been linked with a move to Newcastle as his contract winds down.
Eriksson admitted securing the Republic of Ireland international on a new deal was far from being his priority as he prepares his faltering side to face Chelsea on Saturday.
"I'm quite sure that you will see Richard Dunne playing for Manchester City next season, and the season after," said the City manager.
"But these are busy times and I don't think it will be resolved within the next couple of weeks.
"I think it's more of a question for the end of the season."
Eriksson insisted decisions had yet to be made about the futures of a number of other players.
"We haven't decided that yet and certainly not publicly," he said.
"We still have six games to play so I think it's too early to comment on it.
"We're trying to concentrate on Chelsea and playing better football than last weekend."
Eriksson can ill afford any distractions as he seeks to steer his men back on track in their bid to clinch a UEFA Cup spot.
City have been on the slide since the end of December and dreams of qualifying for the Champions League have long since faded.
Just three wins in the Barclays Premier League since the turn of the year have left City in ninth and facing an uphill task to qualify for Europe.
Chelsea are next up at Eastlands on Saturday but Eriksson took time out of his hectic schedule to shower Old Trafford favourite Ronaldo with lavish praise.
The Portugal winger, 23, is enjoying an incredible season with his 36 goals so far leaving United well placed to retain the Premier League title and lift the European Cup for the first time since 1999.
Asked about Ronaldo, the Swede replied: "He's an artist and maybe number one in the world at the moment.
"He has scored 36 goals this season and that's absolutely incredible.
"Even if you are a Manchester City fan, you want to see the tricks that Ronaldo performs because that is the art of football."
ends
Despite months of talks with his advisers, no agreement has been reached and Dunne, 28, has been linked with a move to Newcastle as his contract winds down.
Eriksson admitted securing the Republic of Ireland international on a new deal was far from being his priority as he prepares his faltering side to face Chelsea on Saturday.
"I'm quite sure that you will see Richard Dunne playing for Manchester City next season, and the season after," said the City manager.
"But these are busy times and I don't think it will be resolved within the next couple of weeks.
"I think it's more of a question for the end of the season."
Eriksson insisted decisions had yet to be made about the futures of a number of other players.
"We haven't decided that yet and certainly not publicly," he said.
"We still have six games to play so I think it's too early to comment on it.
"We're trying to concentrate on Chelsea and playing better football than last weekend."
Eriksson can ill afford any distractions as he seeks to steer his men back on track in their bid to clinch a UEFA Cup spot.
City have been on the slide since the end of December and dreams of qualifying for the Champions League have long since faded.
Just three wins in the Barclays Premier League since the turn of the year have left City in ninth and facing an uphill task to qualify for Europe.
Chelsea are next up at Eastlands on Saturday but Eriksson took time out of his hectic schedule to shower Old Trafford favourite Ronaldo with lavish praise.
The Portugal winger, 23, is enjoying an incredible season with his 36 goals so far leaving United well placed to retain the Premier League title and lift the European Cup for the first time since 1999.
Asked about Ronaldo, the Swede replied: "He's an artist and maybe number one in the world at the moment.
"He has scored 36 goals this season and that's absolutely incredible.
"Even if you are a Manchester City fan, you want to see the tricks that Ronaldo performs because that is the art of football."
ends
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
Postecoglou looking to A-League to 'develop young talent'
.jpeg&h=172&w=306&c=1&s=1)
Big change set to give Socceroos star new lease on life in the EPL
