Manchester City are ready to open new contract talks with Stephen Ireland.

The Times says the Ireland midfield player is contracted to the club until June 2012, but City accept that his present wages of about £30,000 a week do not reflect his importance or standing in the team, for whom he has been a revelation this season.

Ireland, 22, is expected to sign a two-year extension that will double his wages at least.

"I would love to play at City for the next 10 or 15 years," he said. "I want to be a one-club man."