MANCHESTER, England - China defender Sun Jihai wants to sign a new contract at Manchester City even though he hasn’t started a Premier League match this season.

Sun has been reduced to a bit-part role at Eastlands since Sven Goran Eriksson took charge in July, but he is happy in England and is determined to stay and fight for his place.

The 30-year-old has made only two substitute appearances in the league so far this season, but the former Dalian Shide star is confident he can convince Eriksson to give him a chance.

Commericial considerations could also help Sun get a new deal as his presence at City boosts the club’s profile in the lucrative Asian market.

“I want to stay here if it is possible,” Sun told the News of the World. “I’m happy to play and help the club commercially in China.”