Pearce admits Wright-Phillips defeat

Stuart Pearce has admitted there is virtually no chance of luring Shaun Wright-Phillips back to Manchester City from Chelsea.

City collected £21m (€30.6m) from the Stamford Bridge outfit for Wright-Phillips last summer, since when the winger’s career has gone into freefall.

After failing to win a regular place in Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up last term, Wright-Phillips’ form disintegrated and he eventually lost out to Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon for a place in England’s World Cup squad.

Suspecting the 24-year-old might welcome the opportunity to kick-start his career back at the club he joined as a schoolboy, Pearce has made two calls to Chelsea wondering if the wide-man might be interested in a loan move.

However, the answer on both occasions has been negative, with Pearce admitting cash-strapped City do not have the funds to push through a deal.

“There has been a lot of talk about Shaun of late, particularly after he was left out of the World Cup squad,” Pearce told the official Manchester City magazine.

“But I think the chances of him coming back to the club are slim. We approached Chelsea during the transfer window and again last month, trying to get him back here on loan. I personally love the player and think he is a smashing kid.

“I would love to have him return but financially we cannot afford to buy him back – more is the pity. It is true we have inquired about a loan deal but I do think it is a long shot.”

Pearce, who will be working for ITV during the World Cup, has so far made just two summer signings, bringing in promising young keeper Joe Hart from Shrewsbury and veteran striker Paul Dickov, who turned down a more lucrative contract extension at Blackburn to rejoin his former club.

Blues supporters are becoming restless at the lack of transfer activity, especially as they fear both Joey Barton and skipper Sylvain Distin could yet move before the new season gets underway, leaving their squad chronically short on numbers and quality.