Guardiola in no mood to entertain Stones speculation

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was quick to shut down questions over John Stones’ future in his latest press conference.

Stones has been linked with a move away from the Etihad in recent days, with Arsenal said to be keen on signing the centre-back to ease their defensive worries.

However, Gunners boss Arteta was also asked about the speculation and said the reports had “no truth at all”.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Guardiola did not categorically rule out a deal for Stones but was clear he was in no mood to discuss the rumours.

He said: “I am not going to talk about rumours about our players or other players.”

Guardiola was also not concerned about reports that his players held a party after last Sunday’s 6-1 win at Aston Villa.

He said: “I think I knew it. When they have time, they make a lot of dinners together, with the staff. They did it many times anyway.

“And I like it when they are together outside here. They do it at home sometimes, or sometimes in a restaurant, as was the case. It was nice.”

Meanwhile, Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane are both nearing comebacks for City.

The pair have been sidelined for most of the season with serious knee injuries.

Defender Laporte is the closest to featuring after returning to full training this month and winger Sane is also making good progress.

Guardiola said: “Leroy is still not training with us but everything is going really, really well and he should be training with us in another week.

“Laporte made another week training with us.”