Manchester City star Phil Foden is going to be at the Etihad for a "long time", according to journalist Dean Jones.

Jones also believes that, to some, the 22-year-old is even more important than Erling Haaland.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

What is the latest news involving Foden?

Foden looks set to sign a new contract at the Etihad in a huge boost to manager Pep Guardiola and City.

As per The Athletic, the Manchester outfit are hoping that the Englishman will put pen to paper on a fresh deal as early as this week.

In terms of the wages on offer, the Daily Mail claims that Foden will earn £225,000 a week at his boyhood club once the new contract is signed.

Foden was excellent last time out, with both the City star and his team-mate Haaland grabbing hat-tricks in the 6-3 win against rivals Manchester United.

What has Jones said about Foden?

Jones thinks Foden will be at the Etihad for years to come, though he has some doubts about Haaland.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "Foden is the local hero. To some, he is even more important than Haaland because of what he represents to the area. Foden's going to be around for a long time; Haaland probably won't. City won't have Haaland forever.

"To be honest, they're privileged to have him for this period of his career and they're aware of that. They don't know if he's going to be there for two years, three years or five years."

Does Foden deserve a new contract?

Easily. He is now one of City's most important players and one of the best attackers in the Premier League, something he proved in the recent Manchester derby.

This season, he has already scored five league goals and recorded a couple of assists. Over the last year in general, Foden has performed exceptionally well.

As per FBref, the England international has ranked in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty expected goals and the 89th for touches in the penalty area among attacking midfielders and wingers, showing the kind of threat he brings.

"He [Foden] deserves to play every time, and then he has quality," Guardiola said (via Eurosport) after the 6-3 win against United. "He is a young player, and it is a reality. He deserves everything."

With the likes of Foden and Haaland, it is hard to see City surrendering their Premier League title to anyone this season.