Sylvain Distin

Sylvain Distin (born 16 December, 1977 in Bagnolet, France) is a French footballer who is currently playing for Manchester City.

Distin started his career first played for French non league side Joue-les-Tours, moving to Paris Saint-Germain a season later. His time at PSG was shortlived, as after a year Distin moved again, in a loan move to Newcastle United. Following the loan spell, Newcastle wished to sign Distin permanently, but Distin instead opted to sign for Manchester City as he wished to play in his preferred position of central defence (Distin had mainly been used as a left sided defender as Newcastle). Consistent performances in his first Manchester City season resulted in Distin being named Manchester City's Player of the Year for the 2002/03 season. At the start of the 2003/04 season Distin was named captain of Manchester City following the retirement of Ali Benarbia. As of the end of the 2006/2006 season, Distin has made 163 appearances for Manchester City, scoring four times.

Distin's contract is due to expire at the end of the 2006/2007 season. He is yet to pen a new deal. Manchester City appointed Richard Dunne as their new captain in July 2006.

Distin has been linked with moves to Middlesbrough FC and Portsmouth FC during the summer, with Middlesbrough lining him up as a replacement to retired player and new manager Gareth Southgate. 'Boro' are believed to have made a £3million bid in an attempt to try and lure him to the Riverside Stadium.

An undisclosed bid from Middlesbrough was recently accepted by Stuart Pearce's Manchester outfit, but Distin failed to agree personal terms and remains a City player.