Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola expects David Silva to sign a new deal at the club: 'When he signs the contract we'll be so happy'

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Pep Guardiola expects David Silva to extend his £160,000-a-week contract at Manchester City.

It is understood City and Silva, 32 in January, are close to agreeing a one-year deal to keep the Spain midfielder at the Etihad until 2020, when he will complete 10 years at the club.

Manager Guardiola believes Silva still has an important role to play, not least as a role model for the likes of up-and-coming stars such as Phil Foden. 

David Silva is close to signing a new one-year extension to his contract at Manchester City 

Pep Guardiola says he is pleased that the midfielder will extend his stay at the club until 2020

'When he can finally sign the contract we'll be so happy,' said Guardiola, as he looked forward to Wednesday's home game with Southampton.

'What he's done for the club will be written in history books. I hope he'll continue.

'In the future, he won't be able to play every three days but the club need players who have played here for a long time to help players like Phil Foden.' 

Guardiola says what Silva (right) has achieved will go down in the club's history books

Silva is 12th on the Premier League's all-time assists list with a league-high eight this season. 

Guardiola paid tribute to the 5ft 8in playmaker, who has proved to be remarkably durable despite his slight frame.

'He's a real legend,' added Guardiola. 'He looks skinny and like he doesn't run too much but he's never injured and every three days he's fit, he's there.'