Manuel Pellegrini has been impressed by the Bosnia international and the title challengers are now keen to discuss a new deal before the striker departs for the World Cup
By Paul ClennamManchester City are planning to open talks with Edin Dzeko over a new contract for the Bosnia international, Goal understands.
Dzeko will have one year remaining on his £150,000-a-week deal in the summer and had been told he could leave during the next transfer window, with City fearing the striker could eventually depart the Etihad Stadium for nothing despite resisting interest from other clubs in January.
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But City manager Manuel Pellegrini has been won over by Dzeko and the title challengers now want to discuss a new deal with the striker before he sets off for the World Cup in Brazil.
However, City are understood to be keen to lower Dzeko's weekly wage but offer him an increase in bonuses in a pay structure similar to that of Sami Nasri and the club's other stars.
Dzeko has featured heavily for City under Manuel Pellegrini, scoring 21 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions - including 11 in the Premier League in 18 starts - despite the summer signing of Alvaro Negredo, with Sergio Aguero struggling with injuries throughout the season.
The striker had initially appeared to be on his way out of the club while Roberto Mancini was in charge at the Etihad after starting just 16 Premier League games during the 2012-13 campaign.
City director of football, Txiki Begiristain, spoke of his delight with Dzeko's improvement under Pellegrini earlier in April.
"I came here one year and three months ago, and I am seeing a different player," Begiristain said. "And I have to say that the talent was there, all the qualities were there, but now he has the confidence from the manager."
