Richard Dunne is ready to commit his long-term future to Manchester City.
The Irish centre-half has got his career back on track over the last two years after being threatened with the sack by manager Kevin Keegan.
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has been among those who have been impressed by the consistency of Dunne's recent performances and there has been talk of a big-money bid being lodged by the Magpies when the transfer window opens next month.
But while Dunne is flattered to be linked with a move, he has no intention of leaving Eastlands.
Early negotiations over a new deal with City have already begun and the 25-year-old Dubliner revealed he would be disappointed if he didn't extend his four-year stay with the club.
"My agent was in last week for a first meeting and hopefully something will be sorted out as soon as possible," he said.
"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."
Dunne's comments will be welcomed by Keegan, who is expected to be told there will be no fresh funds available to bring in new faces next month.
"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."
Meanwhile, Keegan should receive some more good news tomorrow when former England Under-21 keeper Nicky Weaver makes his long awaited return in a reserve team encounter against Blackburn.
Weaver has missed virtually three full seasons after a succession of knee injuries, which eventually required pioneering cartilage transplant surgery earlier this year.