Samir Nasri

Belgium international Kevin de Bruyne has committed his future to Manchester City by putting pen-to-paper on a fresh five-year contract. The 26-year-old has evolved into one of the world's best midfielders under Pep Guardiola, and he is leading the Premier League assist charts with 10 this term.

Speaking on the club's official website, he said: "I am really happy to have signed this new deal. As I’ve said previously, my intention has always been to stay here at City, where I’ve felt at home from day one. Not only are we winning – we are playing great football. It’s a pleasure to be a part of and I’m really excited about what we can achieve in the coming years."

De Bruyne has vastly improved his long-range passing under the tutelage of Guardiola, who has previously compared him with players at ex-club Barcelona. The move presumably ends any ongoing link with Real Madrid, and the midfielder can now focus at being at City, where the future looks bright.

The Citizens have edged ahead of second-placed Manchester United with a 12-point lead at the top of the table, and the Premier League crown is there's for the taking unless they go on an unexpected collapse during the tail-end of the campaign.

Aside from his Premier League exploits, De Bruyne has also played a significant role in City's progress in the Champions League, and his influence could be key towards propelling the club to the latter stages and perhaps winning their maiden European crown.

Manchester City suffered a minor hiccup with the 4-3 Liverpool defeat earlier this month, but they put their season on track with a convincing 3-1 win over Newcastle United last weekend, where Sergio Aguero was once again on the scoresheet with a hat-trick. City face West Bromwich Albion in their next league outing at the end of the month.