Saudi Pro League to step up Kevin De Bruyne transfer pursuit with Man City playmaker yet to open contract extension talks at Etihad Stadium

Uncertainty about De Bruyne's long-term future at Manchester City is slowly growing. The Daily Mail has reported that talks over a new contract at the Etihad Stadium have not yet begun, which is set to invite further interest from the ever ambitious Saudi Pro League. It is said that league officials are "intensifying" efforts to tempt him away from England.

De Bruyne is an obvious target for Saudi clubs. The Belgian playmaker is 32 and therefore approaching the latter stages of his career, while the warm weather climate could actually help extend his playing days given his recent injury struggles. The fact that his City contract is due to expire in 2025 and will have only a year left to run by the time the summer is here, only adds to the possibility that there could be a parting of ways.

De Bruyne was signed for Chelsea in 2012 by technical director Michael Emenalo, who is now sports director of the Saudi Pro League and was invited to watch a Manchester City training session during December's FIFA Club World Cup in the Middle East.

Whatever the future holds beyond this season, De Bruyne will want to focus on making the next few months as good as they can be. The Belgian has made eight appearances in all competitions since recovering from a long-term hamstring injury and will be keen to contribute as much as possible as Manchester City target an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title and seek to become England's first back-to-back European champions since Nottingham Forest 44 years ago.