City boss Hughes offering bumper Dunne deal to keep key defender

The 28-year-old defender's future at the club had been uncertain with fellow Barclays Premier League clubs Portsmouth, Tottenham and Newcastle having all been linked with the player.  

The protracted departure of Sven-Goran Eriksson and uncertainty over the new managerial appointment by owner Thaksin Shinawatra had further increased speculation he was interested in a move away.  

Boy Dunne good: The Ireland international has attracted a host of Premier League clubs

And Dunne, voted as City's Player of the Year for the last four seasons, had stressed the importance of "stability" at the club.  

But following Hughes' appointment as manager, Dunne now appears to be satisfied the club is moving in the right direction and has been offered a deal that would put him into the highest earning bracket at City.  

After he spoke to Dunne earlier this week, Hughes believes everything will be resolved in the near future.  

"I've spoken to Richard, he's on holiday abroad at the moment but I've had a discussion with him and I've told him my feelings on the situation," Hughes told MCFCTV.com.  

"Obviously I'm very keen for him to remain at the club, and we're working in that direction. 

"It's a little bit difficult because he's away at the moment, but I'm sure that when he's back this will be resolved very quickly.  

City boss Mark Hughes is confident he can retain defensive keystone Dunne

"We have offered Richard a substantial deal, there may be more negotiations to be done but I am very hopeful that he will continue to be a Manchester City player."  

Dunne spoke positively of the arrival of the Welshman at the club and it seems that has played a part in his decision to stay. 

"It was disappointing that Sven had to leave, but in Mark Hughes we have got an exciting young manager who has done particularly well at Blackburn," Dunne said last week. 

"Premier League experience does count for a lot and he has proved that he can mix it with the best over the last few seasons.  

"I know from speaking to players who have been in his side that he is a disciplined and highly-regarded coach, and that bodes well for the club."  

Hughes played alongside Dunne at Everton in 2000 before the powerful defender moved to City for £3million, and is well aware of the skipper's qualities.  

Asked whether he thinks the Republic of Ireland international is underrated by those outside of Eastlands, Hughes added: "I think so. He does not shout about himself from the rooftops, he does not do that much press apart from what he has to as our captain. 

"There are some players out there who promote themselves more but the key is what you do on the pitch, and he has been outstanding in that respect.  

"I played alongside him, and even though it's a while ago now I know his qualities very well.  

"He's been outstanding at City, he's key to what we are trying to do here and if we can, we'll make sure we do everything we can to keep him."