Shut it, Shaun! Roberto Mancini tells Wright-Phillips it's time to focus on playing for Manchester City, not money Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has told Shaun Wright-Phillips to stop talking about his desire for a new contract and concentrate on earning one on the pitch.
City's England midfielder Wright-Phillips has complained in recent weeks about what he sees as the club's reluctance to give him an extension to a £60,000-a-week contract that still has more than two years to run.
He has accused City of showing little desire to keep him and is clearly irritated that players brought in since the Abu Dhabi takeover of August 2008 earn substantially more than him.
Shut up Shaun and play: Mancini's message to Wright-Phiilips
His father Ian Wright waded into the argument last week, accusing the club of treating Wright-Phillips like a 'youth team player' and the City hierarchy of 'mugging him off'.
Clearly overlooking the fact that his form this season has barely warranted the money he earns, Wright-Phillips claims his complaints are not financially-driven. But Mancini has little sympathy.
The City manager said: 'Shaun is an important player for us and I'm happy he scored a goal for England recently. But it is important that he plays very well for this team and that there are no problems. Right now, the important thing is the next game. We have an important target and when we reach that target then we can talk about contracts. If a player speaks with me it's much better for the club. For example, I have no problem with Shaun but it's always in the newspapers that there are problems.
'Shaun has never spoken with me. I am happy with Shaun because he always gives 100 per cent but I would prefer sometimes if the player speaks to me.'
With Mancini far from certain to be at the club next season, the issue of Wright-Phillips' contract may not be his problem. But with City due at Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday, the Italian knows that he needs another win to follow up the shock victory at Chelsea two weeks ago if he is to cement a push for fourth place.
'That win was important for the squad because after that game we can understand that we can beat any team,' he said.
'But it's important we play with concentration. If we play 100 per cent with a good attitude and confidence we can beat all the teams - Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool.'
City confirmed yesterday that they have joined forces with Manchester City Council to develop the land around their Eastlands stadium.
The development will see the club relocate their training ground to the site and also build entertainment facilities and possibly a casino.
Manchester City chasing Benfica strike star
Manchester City are tracking Benfica’s Paraguayan free-kick expert Oscar Cardozo.
The striker, 26, has been brilliant for Benfica this season, scoring 18 league goals and eight in the Europa League.
City are now lining up targets for summer, still hoping to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Cardozo’s agent Pedro Aldave said: “Benfica may sell but for the best price, which is normal. If he goes, then it will be to a big club.
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THE BOLLOX
Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Alex McLeish's contract talks at Birmingham, with a view to bringing in the Scot as a replacement for current Reds boss Rafael Benitez at the end of the season.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the desire to become the first team to win four consecutive league titles and a record 19th in all is driving him on this season. Daily Mirror
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has told his goalkeeper Paul Robinson that it is not too late for him to be included in England boss Fabio Capello's World Cup plans. Daily Mirror
And Aston Villa duo Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor have been told similar by their boss Martin O'Neill despite missing out on Capello's last squad. Daily Star
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon's World Cup dreams are in tatters though after Spurs boss Harry Redknapp admitted he had no idea whether the 22-year-old would play again this season. Lennon has been out with a groin problem since December. The Sun
Stoke striker Tuncay Sanli is taking his former club Middlesbrough to court. He claims they owe him more than £500,000 in image, sporting and economic rights. Daily Mail
Everton are ready to offer 10 players new long-term deals in an attempt to ward of interest from other clubs. Daily Mirror
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola reckons 10 points from their final 10 games of the season will be enough to keep his side in the Premier League. The Hammers currently have 27 points. (Daily Express)
The 2012 football season will be put back by one week to accommodate the London Olympic Games which runs from 27 July to 12 August. Daily Telegraph
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has admitted he would "do a Thierry Henry" and handle the ball if it meant getting England through to the World Cup final. The Sun
American sports franchise Club 9 Sports claim they are close to a deal to invest in Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday. Daily Mail
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora clearly does not rate his chances of making the England World Cup squad - he has already booked a holiday in Las Vegas during the tournament. Daily Telegraph