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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has hailed James Milner as 'a guy with big balls'.

Milner, 29, is out of contract in the summer and has proven his worth to City time and again this season.

A £24m signing from Newcastle in 2010, time is running out to extend the midfielder's contract at the Etihad Stadium and Pellegrini hinted on Friday City have done all they can to persuade Milner to stay.

The Chilean, though, could not hide his admiration for the Yorkshire-born grafter.

“Milner’s a phenomenon, a guy with big balls and a heart this big,” Pellegrini told the Guardian.

“Intelligent, great mentality, one of those players that when you leave him out you’re left with this feeling of injustice; it hurts because he should always play but sometimes you need a technical player with other characteristics.

“I hope he stays. If he doesn’t it will be because there’s an important offer.

“The club wants Milner to continue and he wants to stay but maybe he wants more games.

“I understand. I’m Milner’s No1 fan. Find me a more complete English player. There are players who’re better technically, yes. Quicker players, yes. Players who head better, yes. But show me one who does all the things Milner does well. There isn’t one.”

Click below to see a gallery of City's trip to Burnley