Pellegrini: Hart deal is close

Posted Saturday, December 06, 2014 by Foxsports.com

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is close to signing a new contract, manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed.

The 27-year-old England international has been in talks with the Premier League champions over extending his current deal, which runs until the summer of 2016.

Pellegrini said ahead of Saturday's clash with Everton: "I always said it is important for this club to keep Joe with us.
"He is a very good goalkeeper and not only a very good goalkeeper, he is avery important player for the squad also. So - maybe - in the next day you willhave good news.

"Joe is having a very good season. The arrival of WillyCaballero was very important for the club, for Joe, for Willy, for everyone -because he is a very good goalkeeper.

"I think the best way for players to have high performance is when they haveimportant competition. I think that was very useful for him and I am very happyabout that."

City will be without influential captain Vincent Kompany forthe Toffees' visit to Etihad Stadium after the Belgium defender sustained a hamstring injury.

The Chilean added: "Vincent, maybe in the way he plays, is more exposed to havinginjuries because he plays always with 100 per cent intensity and he works everyday in the same way.

"But we hope for the same that happened last season - he will manage thoseinjuries. They are important injuries but not very long injuries."