 Pearce has big hopes for Distin (left) and Barton |
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce is confident defender Sylvain Distin will sign a new deal with the club but is less sure about midfielder Joey Barton. "We are talking with Sylvain's representatives," said Pearce. "We have made a fantastic offer to him and we expect him to sign very shortly.
"We have made Joey a fantastic offer. Joey decided to leave it and talk again in the summer.
"We will review it again in the summer but would like to keep both players."
City ended a run of six successive Premiership defeats on Tuesday by winning 1-0 at Aston Villa.
Distin, 28, who was impressive in his role marking Milan Baros, has one year left on his contract and was the subject of a �5m bid from Newcastle in January.
Barton's current deal also expires in the summer of 2007.
The 23-year-old handed in a transfer request in January after rejecting the club's original offer of a new deal.
City had previously stood by Barton after he suffered from disciplinary problems.
Barton was heavily criticised for his decision to ask for a move and was booed by some of the club's supporters.
He later withdrew his transfer request, while City tabled an improved contract.
Pearce believes that Distin and Barton still have a lot to offer City.
He added: "They are good lads to have around the place, good players, and I think they will flourish under me and Manchester City."