Sun Jihai remains hopeful of staying at Manchester City but is mulling over offers from elsewhere in England.

The defender - along with manager Sven-Goran Eriksson - is uncertain of his future and admits he has been considering his options.

"I'd love to play in England and I'd love to play football for Manchester City," said Sun, who is out of contract this summer.

Eriksson's position has been the subject of much speculation with owner Thaksin Shinawatra conducting a review of the club.

But Sun, one of City's longest-serving players, is also unaware where he will be next season.

"I've no idea to be honest," he said.

The China international is arguably Asia's most successful footballing export, making more than 150 appearances in five seasons since joining City from Dalian Wanda in 2002.

But his highly-successful second spell in England - he played for Crystal Palace between August 1998 and May 1999 - could end after City's post-season promotional tour of Asia.

"We're waiting," he added. "In the future I don't know, nobody knows."

Sun, the first Chinese player to score in the Premier League, has received offers from clubs in the top flight and the Championship but he is waiting for the conclusion of the play-offs and the season throughout Europe before deciding on his next move.

The 30-year-old, who made nine starts for the Blues this season, believes he would be a valuable part of any squad, particularly due to his versatility.

"A player like me, who can play in different positions, is important," he added.

"By the end of the season, I proved I can play and you cannot expect all the first-team players to start every game."

And Sun revealed he hopes to emulate the longevity of City team-mate Dietmar Hamann, who is 35 in August and recently signed a one-year contract extension at Eastlands.

"In September I'm 31 but Didi Hamann is still playing so I'll try to do the same as him," he added.

"I think I'm still fit enough to play in the Premier League."

Sun will feature for City against a South China Invitational XI on Thursday before joining up the China team for four FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.

City travel to Hong Kong tomorrow for the second leg of their tour after having a break at the Thai resort of Pattaya.

Sporting Life / Eurosport