Kevin De Bruyne to reject Manchester City's first contract offer

Kevin De Bruyne is poised to turn down Manchester City's first attempt at a new contract, reports The Times.

De Bruyne, who is representing himself in talks, is not happy with the proposed terms and is even concerned by a lack of urgency shown by the club.

The Belgium international has developed into one of the best midfielders in the world during his near-six-year stint at City and still has over two years remaining on his current deal.

Pep Guardiola's side are keen to secure De Bruyne's peak remaining years but the 29-year-old is ready to hit the club with an unexpected set-back.

De Bruyne is already the club's top earner on £310,000-a-week but he falls short compared to some others in the Premier League.

Underperforming duo David De Gea and Mesut Ozil even pocket more than De Bruyne and he believes his new salary should reflect his status as the league's best player.

De Bruyne has registered at least 19 more assists than any other player in the Premier League (72) since joining City from Wolfsburg in 2015 - no player in Europe's top five leagues has managed more.