Contract negotiations between Manchester City and Kevin De Bruyne have reportedly been delayed.

That is true even if the Belgian star is nearing the end of his deal with Etihad.

Kevin De Bruyne’s contract talks have been suspended while he is out injured

The playmaker, 32, is an important part of Pep Guardiola’s team and helped them win the Treble last season.

However, he was forced to leave the curtain-raising Premier League debut against Burnley on August 11 after only 22 minutes due to a hamstring strain.

The Daily Star further reports that the champions suspended talks with the player’s father about extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

They want to wait until De Bruyne returns to action after a protracted layoff, which explains why they are doing so.

After the accident, he underwent surgery; he won’t likely play again until the new year.

Pep Guardiola handed the Belgian the captain’s armband this summer

The star player’s current contract, which pays him £375,000 per week and runs out in June 2025, will have just 12 months left when the current season comes to a close.

Following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan this summer, manager Pep Guardiola gave the influential star the captain’s armband, and he is eager to hold onto him.

It is believed that the Spaniard has given his approval for City to extend De Bruyne’s two-year contract.

The ex-Chelsea player would be confined to the Etihad until his 36th birthday if he agreed to the restrictions.

But if a new deal couldn’t be reached, there would undoubtedly be a lot of interest — or else City would risk losing him for nothing at the end of the following campaign.

In 2015, De Bruyne transferred to the team from Wolfsburg for a then-club record £55 million.

From his 358 games, he has accrued 96 goals, 153 assists goals, and 13 major championships, including five Premier Leagues and the Champions League.