Valiants snap up Mohamed

Manchester City are planning to hold contract extension discussions with defenders Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta.

City have worked hard over recent months to tie key men down on fresh terms, with the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva committing their long-term futures to the club.

The Blues intend to continue pressing ahead with those talks, with it important for them to keep the 'core' of their squad intact.

Chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has revealed that he hopes to have further positive news to report on the contract front in the near future.

Richards and Zabaleta are among those set to be presented with new deals, with the defensive duo considered to be important assets heading forward.

"There are other players coming soon - Zabaleta, Micah Richards," Al-Mubarak told the club's official website.

"We'll make sure these players stay part of the future at City because they are really the core of this team.

"As much as we need to continue to invest in this team we also need to invest in the core foundation of the team, which is these players."

The contract McCormack signed in the summer of 2011 is set to expire and the Robins have offered the defender a new two-year deal.

The Town captain, 29, has yet to respond but McCrory has his fingers crossed that the player will prolong his stay in Wiltshire.

"I spoke to his agent on Thursday afternoon and I offered a two-year contract with improved terms, but he has not come back to us," McCrory told the Swindon Advertiser.

"Alan McCormack has been an inspirational captain for the club and I think he's a genuine guy, a lovely fella and a good footballer.

"We'd love to see him stay at the club. We hope he stays."

Mohamed will link up with Micky Adams' men next month when his contract at Cheltenham expires.

The 28-year-old left-sided attacker turned down the offer of a new deal with the Robins, who were beaten in the League Two play-offs, in favour of a switch to promoted Vale.

He said: "I am excited. League One is a fresh start and a new challenge in my life.

"I had a good two-years at Cheltenham but I am looking forward to League One now.

"I've played for Swindon in League One but didn't really have a chance. I played about nine or 10 games, a couple of sub appearances, this will be a better chance for me.

"I like the gaffer, I like what he has done in the past, I knew he liked me and Port Vale are moving on and pushing from last season.

"Last season Vale were flying, they were at the top of the league all through the season, they are a strong team and I am looking forward to joining them."

Cardiff-born Mohamed made 47 appearances or Cheltenham last season in all competitions, scoring seven goals.