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New City chiefs Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain are gearing up for a busy summer as they seek to start the next phase of City’s quest to be the best.

The former Barcelona pair were appointed earlier this season to carry the club forward on the field and off it.

Anyone expecting them to make an instant impact in the current transfer window is likely to be sorely disappointed.

Indeed, in terms of the playing staff, chief executive Soriano and football director Begiristain are very much assessing the current squad, liaising with Roberto Mancini about possible summer targets and weighing up the futures of the current squad.

There are no major issues to be dealt with – the only players out of contract at the end of this season are keeper Richard Wright and defender Kolo Toure.

But the following year brings a raft of decisions, with Carlos Tevez, Joleon Lescott and Gareth Barry among five players who will be out of contract. And, even though their expiry dates will be two years down the line, City will also be planning ahead by starting to look at the contracts of 10 stars who are under terms until 2015.

Here M.E.N. Sport’s Stuart Brennan assesses the decisions facing Soriano, Begiristain and Mancini in the coming months.

RICHARD WRIGHT

Age: 35 (at time of contract expiry) Current deal: 1 yea.r Joined: Aug 2012

The veteran goalkeeper has sat on the bench three times this season and is on the books as insurance for Joe Hart and Costel Pantilimon. But City have been pleased with his professional demeanour and wealth of experience, which has rubbed off on younger colleagues, and he could well get another year.

KOLO TOURE

Age: 32 Current deal: 4 years. Joined: July 2009

The Ivorian appeared to be heading out of the door last summer with City’s blessing, with top Turkish sides battling for his signature. But Kolo killed the speculation by declaring he wanted to stay at City, and he has proved his worth as a back-up to Vincent Kompany with some solid displays. But City are in the market for a young central defender, and that could bring the end for the ex-Arsenal man.

JOLEON LESCOTT

Age: 31 Current deal: 5 years. Joined: Aug 2009

Lescott has proved to be the great survivor of Roberto Mancini’s reign, written off more times than Mario Balotelli’s cars. He has had to prove himself time and time again, and has done so, turning out to be one of the rocks of the title-winning campaign. Depending on what is on the market, Lescott could be seeking a new home this summer – but you wouldn’t bet on it!

DEDRYCK BOYATA

Age: 23 Current deal: 4 years. Joined: 2006

The big Belgian defender was named City’s young player of the year in 2010 after his sudden promotion to the first team. But since then, his career has meandered. He made little impression on loan at Bolton and FC Twente and is not in the first team reckoning after returning from Holland this month. City are likely to try to get a fee for him this summer.

MAICON

Age: 32 Current deal: 2 years. Joined: Aug 2012

The Brazilian’s first season at City has been interrupted by two lengthy injuries, and his form when he has been available has been patchy. His quality as an attacking right-back is not in doubt but his defensive frailties have been repeatedly exposed. But he remains a decent back-up to Pablo Zabaleta and Micah Richards and is likely to see out his contract.

GARETH BARRY

Age: 33 Current deal: 5 years. Joined: June 2009

One of the biggest quandaries City will face this summer. The England midfielder has been one of the Blues’ best-value deals at £12m. He has probably been the most consistent performer of the Mancini era, and this season there are no signs of his performance or stamina levels dropping. But he will have turned 33 by the time his deal expires, so there is some hard bargaining to be done, with a one or two-year extension likely to be offered.

CARLOS TEVEZ

Age: 30 Current deal: 5 years. Joined: July 2009

Another headache for the executives. Tevez’s behaviour and commitment has been close to exemplary since his fall-out with the club last season, and he remains a world-class asset. His own intentions are unclear, but a new one or two-year extension has already been mooted, while he has also spoken of his desire to finish his career at Boca Juniors. Serious discussion will begin at the end of the season, so much will depend on his contribution.

ALEKS KOLAROV

Age: 29 Current deal: 5 years. Joined: July 2010

Has not turned out to be the barnstorming, hard-hitting left-back City fans were promised but still a useful squad member, not least for his prowess from set-pieces. Has to step it up, or City could be looking to off-load in next 18 months.

GAEL CLICHY

Age: 29 Current deal: 4 years Joined: July 2011

Showed his quality in the title run-in last season and so far in this campaign. Unless he suffers a serious dip, a shoo-in for a new deal.

MICAH RICHARDS

Age: 27 Current deal: 4 years. Joined: 2001

Serious injury has taken a huge chunk out of this season, but remains a powerful attacking force as right-back, and potentially a great centre-half. Could see him being at City for life.

PABLO ZABALETA

Age: 30 Current deal: 3-year extension. Joined: Aug 2008

Left to City fans, Zaba would be Player of the Year, club president and quite possibly Prime Minister! But even in cold blood, he is a valuable asset and dedicated pro, and should be signed up again.

YAYA TOURE

Age: 32 Current deal: 5 years. Joined: July 2010

Such an influential figure that it is hard to imagine City letting him go. But his age will be a factor, especially in his role in the team, so City are likely to tempt him with a lucrative short-term extension.

JAMES MILNER

Age: 29 Current deal: 5 years. Joined: Aug 2010

Again, such a dedicated pro that age will not be a factor – you know he will play with high energy levels until well into his 30s. Maybe still has to prove he good enough for City as they move to next level.

SAMIR NASRI

Age: 28 Current deal: 4 years. Joined: Aug 2011

His ability is not in question, but he still has to convince many at City, including Mancini, he has the full range of qualities City require. You feel he will blossom and be offered a new deal.

EDIN DZEKO

Age: 29 Current deal: 4.5 years. Joined: Jan 2011

A player whose future plans seems to fluctuate. It is down to him whether he is sold in the summer, or becomes a long-term hero for the Blues.

MARIO BALOTELLI

Age: 24 Current deal: 5 years. Joined: Aug 2010

Would be sold tomorrow if someone came up with a good offer. Unless he bucks up quickly, or is flogged on the cheap, City will have a real dilemma.

JOHN GUIDETTI

Age: 23 Current deal: 3-year extension. Joined: April 2008

Everything depends on how the Swede comes back from the virus which kept him out of the game for nine months. He has potential.

:: All ages are at time of contract expiry

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