Manchester City are ready to hand a contract to veteran goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The Manchester Evening News says City are set to snap up Carson on a free transfer after the goalkeeper was released by Derby County.

Carson, 35, has spent the last two years on loan at the Etihad from the Championship club and has become an invaluable member of the squad. Pep Guardiola likened him to a captain of the dressing room last season and gave him his first Premier League start in 10 years in the match at Newcastle immediately after the Blues had been confirmed as champions.

"Maybe people don't know it but he's a real leader for us," said Guardiola.

"He says straight away what he believes, he has a lot of experience, he has been in incredible locker rooms with big teams.

"He is an incredible person and we are delighted - not just me but Eddy (Ederson) and Zack [Steffen] and the players that today he could play."