Man City hand Guardiola £150m warchest with Bayern star the top target

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Manchester City will bounce back from their struggles with UEFA by handing Pep Guardiola a £150million warchest for transfers, according to reports.

It was confirmed on Monday that City have won their appeal against their two-year European ban. Although, they do still have to pay a €10million fine.

That clears them to take part in next season’s Champions League, which they have already secured qualification for.

With City set to attack both Europe’s elite competition and the Premier League, their owners are set to invest heavily as they look to push the club towards more silverware.

That is according to stories in The Telegraph and The Guardian, who both claim the club will back Guardiola in the transfer market despite the fact he has not yet committed to them beyond the end of next season.

DEFENDERS THE PRIORITY

The Spanish manager reportedly also identified the positions he wants to strengthen, and the players he hopes to recruit.

Defensive reinforcements are at the top of the list, with a centre back and left back both wanted. Guardiola could turn to former side Bayern Munich to sign a player capable of filling both positions, with David Alaba believed to be a target.

Alaba’s future is uncertain having not signed a new deal with Bayern, meaning he could be on his way out of the Allianz Arena.

Another high profile star who City want to come in to their back line is Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegalese defender has been heavily linked with a move to England recently, and would cost around €90 million.

Guardiola would also like to see a winger and a striker come through the doors. Leroy Sane will need to be replaced after joining Bayern Munich, while Sergio Aguero could be in his last year with the club. That would leave Gabriel Jesus as the only out-and-out forward in the squad. Neither report names any potential targets.

The Telegraph’s report suggests Guardiola wants at least three new signings, however that could end up being more.