Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has refused to discuss specific January targets despite suggestions that the club could bring in new arrivals.
Manchester City have struggled with injuries in the first half of the season and are sixth in the Premier League table despite their recent form improving after wins over Leicester and West Ham.
Lens have agreed deals for defender Abdukodir Khusanov, Palmeiras teenager Vitor Reis and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush, according to reports.
But Guardiola gave nothing away when he addressed the media ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup clash with neighbors Salford.
Asked about a possible transfer move, he said: “I (am not going to answer that, so don't ask about it). I'm going to ask the same thing about everything that's been linked to the media all month, so I won't say anymore. I can confidently say that I won't answer because I don't know the situation.
“We know we shouldn't go to the transfer market, I don't really like it. With so many injuries this season, the situation is what it is, and we have to try to make it happen. But I don't know what's going on.
“Of course I'm in conversation with the club, but what's going on with the process? This is so difficult that I don't know what will happen. And what happened? Otherwise, I can't say anything else.”
Am I not clear?
He pressed Marmoush specifically and said, “Listen, Was my answer unclear? come on! I know my answer clearly. I will not speak. He is a player from another club, so I won't answer.
“You can say in every press conference to discuss the transfer market to the end,” he said. I won't answer just one question. Don't go down that road.
“It was the same in the past. Am I clear? You can try it whenever you want. no problem But you know my answer.”
Guardiola gave Haaland a bit of a hand.
Both John Stones and Ruben Dias are available and Ederson is not good enough to return tomorrow, but Guardiola has ruled out resting top scorer Erling Haaland.
He said, “See you tomorrow. He feels good, There was some jitters on the first day, but it took seven days to recover from West Ham and Salford. We all need to be ready to overcome the situation we have.
PEP 💬 Ederson is fine John Stones, No (he's not ready yet). pic.twitter.com/UBbYn17EGI
— Man City (@ManCity) January 10 2025
He played against his city.
Salford are owned by several members of Manchester United's 'Class of 92', including Gary Neville, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, and will be at the Etihad after winning seven of their last eight league games. That pushed them up to third place in League Two.
Guardiola was quick to praise coach Carl Robinson and his players and is looking forward to a domestic battle.
“I've lived in Salford for the last eight years, so I'd say it's my neighbourhood, my city, where I live,” he said.
“(I have) a lot of respect for the manager. when he was at Oxford; When he played as Sam Allardyce's assistant at Leeds. They've won six of their last six games and I have a lot of respect for them and what they've done.
“As I have always done at this club since I arrived, I hope to take them seriously and play well and make it a third consecutive victory. That hasn't happened in a long time.”