Pep Guardiola has refused to talk about a potential deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Brighton.
A report from Mike Keegan in the Daily Mail last night insisted that Man City had ‘agreed terms’ with Haaland in a ‘significant step forward’ in the summer transfer.
Keegan went as far as saying that a deal ‘should be sealed in the next week or so’ with Haaland to become the ‘Premier League’s highest-paid player on more than £500,000 a week’.
Haaland to City could be sporting and sportswashing triumph
And that report triggered questions from reporters at Guardiola’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday. However, the City boss refused to speak about the Norway international.
Guardiola said: “No answer to your question. I have another concern in my head to think what will happen in this club next season.”
When asked whether they need a new striker in the summer, the City boss added: “We are playing without a striker. For many years I dont think about transfer windows especially when we have incredible things to play for.”
On whether he regrets his team selection against Liverpool in their FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, Guardiola continued: “No. I understand the opinions of my fans. My selection was for many reasons. They were ready. Kevin [De Bruyne] wasn’t ready, [Ilkay] Gundogan wasn’t ready.
“I understand the questions, I was in the hotel in Madrid and in London, I spoke with my doctors and physios. We listen and take the decisions.
“We have a lot of info you don’t have. If we were tired we wouldn’t run in the second half. For many games I ask a lot of my staff for the situations and moods of players. After I take the decisions.”
On the performances of Nathan Ake, who has been filling in for Ruben Dias, the Spaniard said: “He’s so reliable, especially when you behave in your life like him he always will do good.
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