Mpenza waits for City deal

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Emile Mpenza has confirmed he is hoping to sign a contract with Manchester City.

The Belgium international has been training with City this week after recently leaving Qatar-based club Al Rayyan.

The striker is thought to have impressed Stuart Pearce enough to warrant the offer of a deal until the end of the season.

Mpenza is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday and he revealed he is looking forward to the chance of playing in the Premiership.

"I will take this transfer as a revenge, with respect to all those who criticised my decision to play in Qatar," Mpenza told Bel-RTL radio station.

"At 28 years old, I am not finished and I will prove it in Manchester.

"To move to England, this is a dream which is being carried out."

Prior to linking up with City, a string of other Premiership clubs had been credited with an interest, including Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic.

Mpenza's impending arrival at The City of Manchester Stadium will end Pearce's pursuit of a new striker after he spent much of the transfer window trying to sign a front man.

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[CantonaStillGod]

I can't believe he's that young to be honest.

[Costinha]

Great player.Should do well in the Premiership.

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Manchester City have announced the signing of Belgium international Emile Mpenza on a free transfer.

The striker has agreed a deal until the end of the season with City, subject to receiving international clearance.

Mpenza linked up with the Premiership club at the start of the week on trial after being released by Qatari side Al Rayyan in January.

He impressed during a behind-closed-doors game against Blackpool and Stuart Pearce confirmed his intention to sign the forward.

The former Schalke front man has now settled on personal terms, although he will not be eligible to feature in Sunday's FA Cup fifth round tie with Preston North End.

Meanwhile, City's rearranged Premiership game against Arsenal - scheduled for Wednesday 28th February - has been postponed.

Unforeseen maintenance work has prompted the closure of Arsenal underground station, resulting in the match being called off.

A fresh date for the encounter is expected to be announced next week.

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[Mighty T.A.L.]

Mpenza close to City deal

Manchester City striker Emile Mpenza has revealed he is close to pledging his future to the club and signing a long-term contract.

Mpenza, 28, arrived at the City of Manchester Stadium in February on a short-term deal and his two goals in six appearances have led City boss Stuart Pearce to open negotiations on a new contract.

The Belgium international's goals have helped ease the Citizens away from relegation trouble and the former Hamburg and Schalke hitman looks set to pledge his future to the club.

"In my mind, I am already with City," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"Only the fine details need to be sorted out now.

"It is not about money, otherwise I would have stayed in Qatar. I will never forget that is was City and Stuart Pearce who gave me my chance in England.

"If it was up to me, I would sign for five or six years. I like the city, the team and the coach. He saw me twice and he showed faith in me. I want to repay that."

Source: football.co.uk