Sylvain Distin stands every chance of playing in Sunday’s Premiership opener at Stamford Bridge despite his uncertain future with Manchester City.
The Club accepted an offer from Middlesbrough for the 28-year-old defender earlier in the week, but Stuart Pearce has explained how Distin is still very much part of his plans against Chelsea.
“We’ve had an offer from somebody, he has been to talk to them but at the moment he can’t agree personal terms. From my point of view, I’m quite happy.
“It won’t be beneficial to me if this carries on until the end of the transfer window, but if it does go to the end of the window and he decides to sign his contract here, we’ll be delighted.
“His focus on the training field has been as good as anybody, and if he is selected on Sunday that will remain the same. We have to consider him as a player for all our games, and we have never done any less with him.”
The Manager is as pragmatic as ever when discussing how, despite not wanting to lose one of his key players, he has to consider all possibilities regarding transfers.
“I’ve been talking with Sylvain about a new contract for 15 months, he’s been to talk with another club but it might sharpen his focus, and he might come and say ‘I want to stay with you’.
“With the Bosman ruling clubs have to look at all situations. From my point of view it’s a win-win situation - if Sylvain leaves it enables us to free money up to invest elsewhere. If he decides to stay I’ve got a very good player on my books for at least another year and hopefully longer.”
