PAUL Bosvelt wants one more crack at the Premiership before he retires from top-class football.
The 34-year-old, whose influence in Manchester City's engine room has grown enormously since he first arrived from Feyenoord and found himself in and out of the side, is ready to open talks on a new short-term deal.
He has asked the club to let him know if they intend to offer him a contract extension by the end of this month.
If the answer is 'no,' he will look to continue his successful career elsewhere either in England or back home in Holland.
"I have told the club that I would like to stay one more year. I am now waiting to see what they want to do," confirmed the Dutch international who will sit out this Sunday's derby match against United because of suspension and who will be a big miss for Kevin Keegan.
"They promised to tell me 'yes' or `no' within four weeks and hopefully I can stay one more year.
Concern
"Their main concern is my age. I think I have shown that I am fit enough to do myself justice. I don't miss games through injury or whatever and I think that I have done OK lately."
That is an understatement and Bosvelt certainly didn't look past it at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when he mixed it successfully with Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele.
Bosvelt is popular, too, with the other players. A real joker in the dressing room, he has also been instrumental in helping along the development of Joey Barton who is eventually expected to take over the role of the back four's enforcer.
"In the roles Joey and I play, we can back each other up," he acknowledged.
"I think it is good to play alongside him but it's also good to see young players like Willo Flood coming through and hopefully they will be the future of the club.
"I had to get used to a different type of game after coming here last season.
"I think I have really settled in English football now and there have not been as many changes in the side this term.
"Time has given me a chance to get used the many adjustments I have had to make in my game."
Should Bosvelt be handed a new deal? Have your say.
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Just get him signed up now before another Premiership club goes for him!
Sign him up for another year. With the money we get from SWP's inevitable sale in the summer buy Scott Parker to partner Bozzy in central midfield and get Willo on the right. As for the left side, well that's still a problem...
Not many players want just a one year extension (remember Berkovic?). That's the sort of guy PB is. Don't argue this as a board, a fellowplayer or a fan, just sign him.
Give that man a contract. He has been a revelation this season.
Bosvelt has done well in the holding role this season. He hasnt missed many games through injury and should be given one final year
Quiet, confident, charismatic, experienced, hard and quality;the consummate professional; The Bos for another season sounds a great prospect and a bonus to our great club. If he finds the going tough next season, he could be sub'ed. I really want him to stay another season.
He has been superb this season but to perform in the Premiership in midfield at 35 is a huge ask. A contract that is heavily weighted towards appearances would be the only option.
Of course he should. He just needs to say "I know where you live" to Viera, Keane and the rest and they run a mile! Ha, ha!
He's important to our defensive display and he sould stay another year. FACT
Noooooooo!
I'd give him one, definitely.
After a nightmare first couple of months Boz has been imperious since January 2004. He should be given a two year contract never mind one. Not only does he win all the tackles he goes in for but like all quality Dutch footballers he uses his brain and rarely gives the ball away with his superb passing. At last Blues fans are realising what a top player and man Paul is. It is a shame he will miss the Derby coz he would have had Keane in his back pocket !!
Most improved player in the past 12 months. Most influential player after SWP & David James. He will be sorely missed this weekend - who will hold that midfield together? Why wait 4 weeks, sign him up now.
Bosvelt has been one of our best players this season and he has the sense and humility to only request a 1 year extension - give the man his Contract, City!
Agree with eric on this one, give the man a new contract. He is playing well and he can still teach the kids a thing or two. He still has a lot of experience to offer, and he has never come across as a bludger, looking for a final payday.
Without doubt he should be given a further year. A player that works his socks off for the cause.
Give Bos an extension. His influence on Joey Barton is showing. Despite his age he doesn't look out of place mixing it in the Prem. As he said himself, he feels good and doesn't get injury problems.
Given our financial position and the cover we have available, this is a non-event of a story - he MUST be given an extension! He has been superb. Its worked out well for him that injuries have enabled him to prove himself. If Reyna and Macca were fit he would have spent every third game on the bench and not been allowed to show what he can do.
Give him another year NOW, and give him a pay rise to say thanks for his great effort and output this year!!!
The guy deserves another 1yr stint with city even at his age ,much better than last season
If anybody ever read my blueview comments they would know that I spoke against Bosvelt vociferously - I apologise to the man unreservedly because he's been inspirational. The person who dragged him down was Claudio Reyna - they should never be on the same pitch together.
Definately deserves another year. Even if he starts to find the going tough next season he would be excellent cover. I personally would make him the team captain.
i would give him another year, prob as cover, JB should drop to a holding position and we must bring in a creative and a striker with pace & finish. Macca, reyna, sinclair should be ditched in the summer
A must for another 12 months
I have said it before age means nothing if you are fit and playing well, its a non brainer, "Sign him".
He's got to stay. He's taught us 2 good lessons. One is how long it can take to fit in, especially in an average team like City. Two is how indispensable he is to our midfield. He's proved his worth. he's consistently good. So what's the problem, and what's the alternative