Manchester City are moving closer to securing the futures of Joey Barton, Sylvain Distin and Andy Cole.

Blues officials met Barton and Cole this week, while talks with Distin are planned over the next few days as manager Stuart Pearce begins planning for next season.

Pearce is hoping to hear from Cole over the next few days, but with both parties keen to extend the former Manchester United man’s stay by another year, no problems are envisaged.

Barton has also climbed down following his much-publicised bust-up over the terms of a four-year deal and while no agreement is imminent, it is thought the former England Under-21 international will eventually opt to stay at Eastlands.

"I have always been pretty positive about the situation with Joey," said Pearce. "The chairman and chief executive spoke to him this week and hopefully we can move it along and get a resolution to it."

Pearce is hopeful Distin will also agree an extension to his contract which, like Barton’s, expires in 18 months time.

Negotiations with the City skipper have been on hold but the former Newcastle man has indicated a willingness to resume discussions next week.

"I have taken my time because I want to make sure the club and I want to go in the same direction," Distin told Key 103.

"It is not about whether I want to stay or go but sometimes these things take more time."