Barry set for new Manchester City deal, suggests Mancini

The Italian manager has stated his happiness at the England international’s professionalism, and has hinted that a few of the club's players are close to signing new contracts

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has suggested that Gareth Barry, along with a few other City players, are in line for new deals in the coming weeks.

City lies second in the Premier League, 12 points off neighbor Manchester United, and Mancini has revealed he believes Barry is a key player ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea.

The 32-year old has made 33 appearances in all competitions for the title holders this season, and his Italian manager has praised the England international’s professionalism and dedication to the game.

"I think we have three or four players in this situation," the 48-year old told reporters. "We will decide this in the next month but these players are important players for us.

"I am very happy with Gareth because Gareth is a good guy and a serious professional player.

“He is really serious as a man."

Barry signed for City for 12 million pounds from Aston Villa in 2009, and his initial form with the champions earned him international callups until Roy Hodgson was appointed England manager, under whom Barry has yet to play.

Talk of new contracts at The Etihad Stadium follows the announcement that Yaya Toure had penned a new deal at the club earlier this month.