Mpenza to stay at City

Belgian rejects loan offers from Championship clubs

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 27th March 2008

Emile Mpenza

Mpenza: Going nowhere

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Emile Mpenza is to stay and fight for his place at Manchester City after turning down offers from a number of Championship clubs.

The Belgian striker has not been able to command a regular place at City this season, making just eight starts and six further substitute appearances.

Competition for places has increased following the arrivals of players such as Benjani Mwaruwari, Nery Castillo and Felipe Caicedo.

Mpenza's agent confirmed earlier this week that Leicester had made a bid for the player, while Sven Goran Eriksson has now admitted that several other sides were also interested in taking him on loan.

However, Eriksson is happy for Mpenza to make the decision on what he wants to do, and for now the 29-year-old wants to remain at Eastlands.

"There is nothing there for this moment," said Eriksson.

"He has had a lot of requests but so far he wants to stay. He is under contract, so it is very much up to him if he wants to stay and fight."