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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has told Pablo Zabaleta he wants him to remain at the club, M.E.N. Sport understands.

The Argentine right-back has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer after struggling for form and fitness throughout the last campaign.

It's understood there is an offer from Roma which remains on the table – but Guardiola has spoken to Zabaleta and made clear his desire to keep him at the club for the forthcoming season, leaving the defender with a straight choice to make.

Roma have a good relationship with City, with Edin Dzeko and Maicon having moved between the two sides in recent seasons and they have made it clear to Zabaleta's agent Federico Pastorello that they want him to join them.

The 31-year-old suffered two serious knee injuries last season that affected his rhythm and he lost his place in the side to Bacary Sagna, who was arguably the most consistent City defender.

But he remains a huge favourite with the fans and a player who commands the respect of the dressing room.

He is City's third-longest serving player having arrived in the summer of 2008, just days before the club's takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, and has gone on to make over 300 appearances for the club.