Premier League money men Manchester City are set to hand Stephen Ireland a contract extension, according to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail.

Apparently, the 22-year-old will ink a new deal worth £80,000-a-week, which is around £4 million per season, keeping him at Eastlands until 2013. At the moment, it is thought that the agreement is just verbal, but the versatile midfielder is expected to put pen to paper before the end of this season.

It is also claimed that the Republic of Ireland international, who has scored four goals in six caps, will win the Citizens’ Player of the Year award next week.

Ireland has undoubtedly enjoyed his best season to date, scoring 13 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions. The 5ft 8in playmaker recently suggested that he hopes to remain with the club for many years to come, stating, “I want to play here until I am 33 or 34-years-old.

“Hopefully I will get a contract sorted out soon and continue to play for the club I love as long as possible.”