Stuart Pearce has reiterated Manchester City's desire to keep Sylvain Distin.
Stuart Pearce has again reiterated Manchester City's determination to keep hold of captain Sylvain Distin.The dominating Frenchman, currently ruled out with a groin injury, was the subject of a failed bid from Aston Villa earlier in the summer.
Whilst David O'Leary failed to convince City to part with the player, talk has been that Liverpool could be ready to make a bid before the transfer deadline.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has reiterated this week his desire to bring in another central defender but Pearce remains determined to keep Distin at Eastlands.
''Sylvain is going nowhere,'' said Pearce. ''He is staying at Manchester City.''
Meanwhile, Pearce also confirmed that he still has a bid lodged for Bolton's Greece international Stelios Giannakopoulos.
The pacey wide man netted on Wednesday against Newcastle but it appears his strike could prove to be his swansong at the Reebok Stadium.
It has been widely reported that Stelios will join Liverpool before the deadline passes but should a move to Anfield falter, City remain a strong suitor.
''We have still got an offer in on Stelios and we are waiting for a reply,'' concluded Pearce.
''I would like to bring two or three players in before the deadline but if we don't, we will look at the next deadline and then the one after that.''
