Guardiola refuses to answer reports of Man City move for Haaland

Pep Guardiola has refused to reply to reports that Manchester City is near completing a blockbuster deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

The city is pronounced to be set to pay the £63 million ($81 million) launch clause in Haaland’s Dortmund contract after agreeing non-public terms with the Norway worldwide’s agents this week.

It was stated that Haaland’s deal with City might encompass weekly wages of £500,000 in line with the week.

The 21-year-old is one of every of the game’s most up-to-date properties and has additionally been strongly linked with Real Madrid.

Asked about a likely swoop for Haaland, City boss Guardiola might now not be drawn at the speculation while he spoke to newshounds on Tuesday.

“No answer to your question,” he said ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Brighton.

“I have another concern and business in my head right now than to think what will happen in this club next season.”

Premier League leaders City has lacked a prolific striker this season following the departure of record goalscorer Sergio Aguero last year.

After failing in a high-profile attempt to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham last year, Haaland would fit the bill as the kind of lethal finisher City require.

But with City in the middle of a battle to retain the Premier League title and win a first Champions League crown, Guardiola was keen to focus on the present rather than future deals.

“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 said.

The city is one point clear of Liverpool in the Premier League and the Reds can temporarily go top if they avoid defeat against Manchester United on Tuesday.

Their hopes of a treble ended on Saturday as they had been overwhelmed 3-2 via Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

Guardiola had made seven changes for that conflict as his players felt the results of the previous Wednesday’s bruising Champions League tie at Atletico Madrid.

Asked if he had any regrets about his choice at Wembley, Guardiola said: “No. I understand the opinions of my fans. They have all my respect to give their opinions but my selection was for many reasons.

“Kevin (De Bruyne) wasn’t ready, Kyle (Walker) wasn’t ready, (Ilkay) Gundogan wasn’t ready. They (the players who played) were ready.”

De Bruyne and Gundogan are back in contention for the Brighton game, but Walker remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

“For tomorrow he is not available. We will see how he reacts with his ankle,” Guardiola said.