Luiz visa issue is a pain for Pep

MANCHESTER City are battling to get midfielder Douglas Luiz a work permit so he can act as Fernandinho’s deputy this season.

Luiz, who signed from Vasco da Gama for £10million last summer, spent a year on loan at Girona. Pep Guardiola wants the 20year-old in his squad after impressing during the tour of America, excelling against Bayern Munich in Miami.

‘He is ready to play in the first team,’ Guardiola said. ‘We would like him but he has no visa or work permit. We will try to convince the federation to allow him to stay.

‘We believe he can play with us. We want him to stay because I think he has potential. You saw it against Dortmund and Bayern Munich. The whole club wants him.’

Guardiola was dealt a transfer blow after missing out on Jorginho, who signed for Community Shield opponents Chelsea. Luiz is not eligible for tomorrow’s game at Wembley.

The City boss claimed they are still hunting for alternatives but is confident Luiz can fill the void if required. He said: ‘We asked for the work permit because we believe he can play with us. If we bring another one in it’s because he is a special player, not just as a number.’

City are understood to remain interested in Sporting Lisbon forward Rafael Leao, although that move appears unlikely.

Guardiola’s main target this season is becoming the first manager to defend a Premier League title in a decade. He said: ‘We were able to repeat it and win back to back at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Here maybe it’s more complicated as all the teams are good.

‘That’s why maybe we should reflect with some perspective on last season. Imagine now that we are going to make 100 points again. Impossible.’

Guardiola comes up against good friend Maurizio Sarri for the first time since Chelsea appointed the Italian.

The pair went for dinner in Italy over the summer and Guardiola believes Sarri has already implemented his own ideas at Stamford Bridge.

‘Arrigo Sacchi invited us and paid the bill. I’m delighted a manager of Sarri’s level is in the Premier League,’ he said.

‘I saw three games in pre-season and he gets it. He needs more time but the ideas are already there. He’s perfect for English football.’