Manchester City have reportedly put contract talks with Kevin De Bruyne on hold.
The 32-year-old only has one year left to run on his deal at the Etihad Stadium, and there is currently speculation surrounding his future, with clubs from the Saudi Pro League said to be keeping a close eye on the developments in Manchester.
De Bruyne has been restricted to just 14 appearances for the Citizens this season due to injury, but he has managed to contribute two goals and 13 assists.
The attacker will again be sidelined for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final with Newcastle United due to a groin problem which he aggravated in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool last weekend.
"Kevin's not ready. He already played in Anfield with some problems," Man City head coach Pep Guardiola told reporters during his press conference on Friday.
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"But he's getting better. He's not ready for tomorrow but we spoke with the manager from Belgium, Domenico Tedesco, and he decided. I'm grateful because he didn't feel good and he could recover for the rest of the season.
"He played well [at Anfield]. All the players have problems but the day after he didn't feel good, but it's better to take care."
De Bruyne is expected back for Man City's Premier League clash with Arsenal on March 31, though, with his fitness being managed at a crucial stage of the season.
According to Football Insider, the Belgium international had been in discussions with Man City over a new deal, but the talks have now been placed on hold until the end of the campaign.
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The report claims that both parties are keen to focus on the remainder of the season before resuming discussions over the summer.
Despite suggestions of a switch to Saudi Arabia appealing to De Bruyne, it is understood that the playmaker wants to sign a new deal in Manchester, while head coach Guardiola is 'desperate' to keep him.
De Bruyne made the move to the Etihad Stadium from Wolfsburg in August 2015, and he has represented the Citizens on 370 occasions, scoring 98 goals and registering 166 assists in the process.
The Belgian has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League during a successful period.
Man City are still chasing three trophies this season, and it was revealed on Friday morning that they will take on La Liga leaders Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League next month.
Matt Law
