Despite being out of contract at the end of the season, Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne will be staying at Manchester City, according to manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

City skipper Dunne has enjoyed another outstanding campaign at the heart of his side's defence but despite months of talks with his advisers, no agreement has been reached on a new contract, leading to speculation on his future and move to Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United being mooted.

Nevertheless, Eriksson says the 28-year-old Dubliner's contract is not a priority as he prepares his faltering side to face Chelsea on Saturday.

"I'm quite sure that you will see Richard Dunne playing for Manchester City next season, and the season after," said the City manager.  "But these are busy times and I don't think it will be resolved within the next couple of weeks.

"I think it's more of a question for the end of the season."

Eriksson insisted decisions had yet to be made about the futures of a number of other players.

"We haven't decided that yet and certainly not publicly," he said. "We still have six games to play so I think it's too early to comment on it.

"We're trying to concentrate on Chelsea and playing better football than last weekend."

Eriksson can ill afford any distractions as he seeks to steer his men back on track in their bid to clinch a Uefa Cup spot.

City have been on the slide since the end of December and dreams of qualifying for the Champions League have long since faded.

Just three league wins since the turn of the year have left them ninth and facing an uphill task to qualify for Europe.