Manchester City are ready to offer talisman Sergio Aguero a lucrative new contract in an attempt to keep him from the clutches of La Liga giants Barcelona, FootballDirectNews.com understands. A source close to the Etihad Stadium told FDN the Blues are aware that Barca, who finished runners-up on the final day of last season, are monitoring the Argentina international but have no intention of cashing in. City are determined to keep hold of on of their most iconic players despite seeing him suffer a string of muscle injuries last term which kept him on the sidelines for several weeks at a time.
The club insider revealed the Premier League champions hope to tie down the 25-year-old to a long-term deal, as his current arrangement comes to an end in three years. Last summer he put pen to paper on a 12-month extension in the aftermath of Manuel Pellegrini’s appointment as manager, but this time City are quietly optimistic that the title glory and League Cup success will lead to a longer stay.

Aguero’s latest injury scare occurred during the 3-2 win at Everton on May 3, although he recovered in time for the final day showdown with West Ham United and is in Argentina’s squad for the World Cup campaign in Brazil.