Report: Manchester City set to offer De Bruyne significant pay rise
Kevin De Bruyne's sensational start to Manchester City's 2017-18 campaign could be rewarded with an improved, long-term contract, sources told ESPN FC's Jonathan Smith.
The Belgian's current terms don't expire until 2021, but the club is desperate to tie down a player who's installing himself as one of the main figures in Pep Guardiola's plans at City. De Bruyne's reportedly happy in Manchester and both parties are said to be keen to scribble on some fresh paperwork.
Related - Easy as KDB: City's engine is an early front-runner for PFA award
However, Smith reports there's a lingering concern that rivals from across Europe could come calling if a deal isn't struck with De Bruyne soon.
An earlier report by The Telegraph's James Ducker states that the 26-year-old's wages would swell from £115,000 a week to £200,000 a week, a salary the club believes better reflects De Bruyne's standing among the best midfielders in Europe.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
He's been in superb form so far this season, clearly relishing the freedom Guardiola gives him to try to unhinge opposition defences with his devilish deliveries, and he expertly slots into pockets of space when out of possession. His work ethic and comprehension of the playing philosophy at City has also curried favour with his boss.
"He learns, he's so intelligent. You say one instruction and he understands immediately," Guardiola said of De Bruyne after Sept. 9's 5-0 pummelling of Liverpool.
"He produces a huge (number) of passes and assists. Last season he shot 15 or 16 times against the posts. We were unlucky. Hopefully this year he can help us.
"He's quick, he always sees the spaces on the middle or outside. He runs more than anyone else. He's good with balls to feet, he's good attacking space."
The former Genk, Chelsea, and VfL Wolfsburg midfielder currently has three assists to his name in the new Premier League season, with Sergio Aguero benefitting from his service on two occasions. De Bruyne led the league in that category last term with 18 assists across 36 appearances.