KEVIN Keegan has revealed that he is in negotiations to extend Ali Benarbia's contract which will keep the midfielder at the Blues for a third season and to the end of his career.

The midfielder topped the voting for City's Player of the Year and currently has one more year left on his current contract. But hopes are high that he will extend his stay.

The Algerian joined in September on a free from PSG and immediately showed his talents in his debut game against Birmingham. Now Keegan believes he deserves a contract boost for his heroics since then.

"Ali is nowhere near the highest paid player at the club and he never complains about money," says Keegan. "But I tried to get the board to agree to give him something in his last year and they agreed.

"I then talked to Ali and he said didn't want anymore money but that he wanted another year on his contract. It is now up to us to offer Ali something and I want him to stay."

Says Bernarbia: "The fans have been great with me and I want to end my career with City. I love playing at Maine Road but I want to play at the new stadium and hope we can agree another year on my contract."

"It has been like a dream for me, now I am looking forward to some wonderful games.

"Next season the one game I want to play in is the derby against Manchester United. For me that will be a special game."