Dietmar Hamann

Dietmar Hamann has signed a new one-year deal with Manchester City. The German international joined City last summer but struggled with injuries during his first season.

However, Hamann has been in impressive form under Sven-Goran Eriksson and was the man of the match in the derby win over Manchester United on Sunday. He was also City's player of the month in August and September.

The new contract will come as a relief to City fans after their owner, Thaksin Shinawatra, suggested in December that Hamann's age - he is 34 - was beginning to count against him and that the club needed a new midfield holding player.

"Hamann is getting old," Thaksin was quoted as saying. "We're looking at a new midfielder who we think will play very well with Elano. We're going to play in a classic style."

But Hamann's rock-solid performances in the City midfield - he has started 23 of their 26 Premier League matches this season - have strengthened the faith shown in him by Eriksson