Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

Guardiola gives ‘no answer’ to Haaland question amid timely Man City reminder

Man City manager Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has refused to comment on speculation that Erling Haaland could be joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

Manchester City have been in the market for a new centre-forward since last summer, when Sergio Aguero departed. Last year, their target was Harry Kane, but they could not attain him. This time around, they are after Haaland.

The 21-year-old is one of Europe’s strongest strikers already. His record for Borussia Dortmund reads 82 goals from 85 games. It is a prolific ratio which makes Haaland highly coveted.

But few clubs may be able to afford the overall costs of the transfer, despite his release clause being a seemingly good value for money €75m (£63m).

Manchester City are one of those who could – and reports recently claimed they have possibly even agreed personal terms with the striker before triggering that clause.

Despite this, manager Guardiola has done his best to avoid the topic at his latest press conference.

He simply replied: “No answer to your question.”

Further lack of comment came when he added: “No answer about these questions. I have another concern and business in my head right now (than) to think what will happen in this club next season.”

Haaland deal will cost Man City £300m with wages and fees

Haaland deal will cost Man City £300m with wages and fees

Erling Haaland will cost Manchester City €300m if they want to sign him from Borussia Dortmund this summer with Mino Raiola taking a £37m cut.

Indeed, it has never been Guardiola’s approach – nor that of many other managers – to speak about players belonging to other clubs.

He explained: “We don’t know what is going to happen in the future. For many years I never talk about transfer windows, especially when we have incredible things to play for this season.”

Guardiola looks towards Brighton battle

Although now out of the FA Cup, Man City are still competing for the Premier League and Champions League trophies. Next on their agenda is a domestic matchup with Brighton at home on Wednesday.

Guardiola will be able to welcome back Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, who missed the FA Cup semi-final loss to Liverpool.

However, Kyle Walker remains unavailable due to an ankle injury.

For centre-back Ruben Dias, there is better news. He has been on the bench for the last couple of matches and could be nearing a return.

Guardiola confirmed: “Ruben trained really good but he has been seven weeks off, not playing one minute. When you recover you need tempo.

“He’s intelligent, he’s a guy who knows his body. We are more than delighted he’s back.”

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