Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has dropped a clear hint that Gareth Barry will be offered a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.
The 32-year-old England international, a ?12million signing from Aston Villa in 2009, will enter the final year of his current deal in the summer.
Barry has said he would like to extend his stay and even end his career at the Etihad Stadium but his contract situation has led to speculation about his future.
Mancini is a big admirer of the player though, and, with fellow midfielder Yaya Toure tied to a new deal just last week, the Italian has suggested Barry could be next.
When asked about Barry at his latest press conference, Mancini said: "I think we have three or four players in this situation.
"We will decide this in the next month but these players are important players for us.
"I am very happy with Gareth because Gareth is a good guy and a serious professional player. He is really serious as a man."
Another player who will only have one year remaining on his contract by the summer is striker Carlos Tevez.
Mancini has previously hinted the Argentinian could be offered a one-year extension to his deal.
Tevez, who impressed in Monday's defeat of Manchester United and has scored seven goals in his last seven appearances, is currently training and playing while carrying out community service.
The 29-year-old was ordered to undertake 250 hours of unpaid work after being convicted of driving whilst disqualified earlier this month.
Mancini claims there has not been any issue balancing his responsibilities.
When asked if it could lead to problems, Mancini said: "I don't think so, no."
Mancini also does not anticipate a problem with Tevez travelling to the United States for City's post-season tour.
City have arranged to play two friendlies against Chelsea, in St Louis and New York, when their domestic commitments are over.
Asked if Tevez could travel Mancini, who was speaking to media ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against the London side, said: "I don't know this - I think he can go."
Mancini laughed when it was suggested Tevez could brush streets in New York.
He said: "Could be, why not? It is better in New York!"
The FA Cup represents City's only realistic hope of silverware this season after appearing to fail in the Premier League.
Despite this week's win over their neighbours, City still trail United by 12 points at the top of the table with just seven games remaining.
Numerous reasons for the disappointment have been put forward and Mancini rues a spell in January and February when the team dropped points to QPR, Liverpool and Southampton.
He said: "I am frustrated for this because we lost some points where if we had paid attention we could have taken important points for the championship.
"But I think we had a difficult moment when (we played) QPR, Liverpool, Southampton - these games, we lost seven points there and the gap was too big.
"I think there are some moments in the season when it is not important if you play well or not - it is important you win. Instead we lost important points."
