By Matthew Jones
December 13 2004

Manchester City defender Richard Dunne is ready to reject and offers from Newcastle, by committing his future to Kevin Keegan's Blues. The Republic of Ireland international is enjoying football at Man City, and has no intention of breaking up his partnership with Sylvain Distin. Graeme Souness MUST improve Newcastle's back-line in the January market and Dunne was one of the names on his list.

However, Dunne has entered talks with City over a new deal, and told Sky Sports News said: "It's flattering. It's nice to be linked with top clubs but it's all about what you do at the club here.

"They (Newcastle) are being linked with every centre half in the country I think, and me and Sylvain have a really good partnership and we've done really well and we're happy here.

"It's nice people are talking about us and we are not being slagged off every week and being talked about in a positive manner."

Dunne added: "My agent was in last week for a first meeting and hopefully something will be sorted out as soon as possible.

"I definitely want to stay at City because I have really improved as a player here.

"It is nice to be linked with top clubs but the important thing is this one and what we do. I really enjoy it at Manchester City and I want to keep that going.

"I have played more games than any other outfield player this season, so I can't be regarded as being a kid anymore," added Dunne, whose professionalism was famously questioned by his manager when he was ordered home after turning up for training in a dishevelled state.

"I have grown up a lot and now the manager sees me as one of the most experienced players in his squad.

"I have to use that as added pressure to perform and defensively, apart from the games at Newcastle and Middlesbrough, we have done quite well."