Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has emphasised that he wants to keep Daniel Sturridge at the Eastlands club, but has rued the vulnerable contract situation the talented striker is currently in.

The 19-year-old England under-19 international is in his final season at the City of Manchester Stadium and could be lured away by the rivals directly going to his agent in the New Year. However, City are apparently doing all they can to give the Academy graduate a new deal with talks reportedly started.

Sturridge has made 12 top-flight appearances for the Citizens, scoring two goals and former Blackburn Rovers boss Hughes, who took charge of City in the summer, is an admirer of the teenager’s talent.

"We would like to keep Daniel, he is a good young player," said Hughes in the Manchester Evening News.

"The problem is that his contract length isn't great and that is a situation that has been allowed to happen before I got here for whatever reason.

"We are trying to address that. We are being honest with the player and his agents and they understand the position we and they are in.

"We are obviously doing our best to keep Daniel.

"People have to understand we place a market value on players in terms of transfer fees and wages."

Chelsea and Aston Villa are reportedly keen to sign Sturridge and if there is any truth in the speculation, City could be forced to consider the options in January rather than lose the player for nothing at the end of the season.