Stuart Pearce has confirmed Manchester City have opened contract negotiations with defender Richard Dunne.

The Republic of Ireland international is one of the mainstays of Pearce's new-look City side and has turned his career around since he was disciplined by former boss Kevin Keegan for much-publicised 'lifestyle' problems.

Dunne has attracted admiring glances from elsewhere but has always stated his desire to remain at Eastlands and Pearce is hoping to tie him down to an extended deal before the summer.

Having secured most of his young players for the foreseeable future, Pearce is now turning his attention to the more senior members of his squad.

And, while negotiations with Joey Barton are yet to progress, talks with skipper Sylvain Distin and promising young defender Micah Richards are currently ongoing, with goalkeeper Nicky Weaver also on the verge of signing a new deal.

"The majority of them are coming along," Pearce told www.mcfc.co.uk. "We are very, very hopeful with Sylvain that there will be a resolution soon.

"Richard Dunne has opened contract negotiations this week and we are waiting on Micah Richards' agent, so that's on-going and they're all coming along nicely at the moment. We've agreed a contract with Nicky Weaver, it is just a case of him signing it."