Dunne joined City for �3m in 2000

City boss Stuart Pearce insists the decision is not a reaction to Distin's refusal to sign a new deal going into the final year of his current contract.

Pearce said: "Richard's got a maturity now and there's a feeling in my bones giving him extra responsibility will take him on to another level.

"It is not a snub to Sylvain. This will allow him to concentrate on playing."

Dunne, 26, was a �3m signing from Everton in 2000.