PHIL THE REAL DEAL

Boss Guardiola eager to tie down his homegrown hero

- BY SIMON BAJKOWSKI

PEP GUARDIOLA would like Phil Foden to spend all of his career at Manchester City - but could not shed any light over whether the player will be offered a new deal.

The 25-year-old has just 18 months remaining on his current contract and an agreement is not thought to be close.

Foden showed exactly what he can bring to the team with a brace on Saturday in the 3-2 win against Leeds and he has been integral to Guardiola’s plans as City travel to Fulham tonight.

Having emerged as a 16-year-old at the end of the manager's first year in Manchester, the playmaker is now one of the longest-serving at the Etihad.

That would continue if a new deal can be agreed, although the longer his current contract is allowed to run the more uncertainty that builds.

“I have no idea, but hopefully he can stay all his career here. He is a special player,” said Guardiola.