Pep says Citizens priced out of Evans move

LONDON: Manchester City failed in a move to sign centreback Jonny Evans because they were simply unable to meet West Bromwich Albion’s asking price, says manager Pep Guardiola.

City were accused of “financial doping” by La Liga chief Javier Tebas after spending around £215mil (RM1.1bil) on new players during the close-season transfer window.

But with City having reportedly had an £18mil (RM99mil) offer for Evans turned down by West Brom manager Tony Pulis, Guardiola suggested the club were not the transfer behemoth they have been made out to be.

“Jonny Evans was an idea. My colleague Tony Pulis put a price that we couldn’t afford at that moment,” said Guardiola.

“We bought five players who cost around £35mil (RM194mil) each.

“It’s not a big issue because we sold a lot. “We got money to invest again. I’m happy with the squad and we’ll move forward with that.”

He added: “We had a little bit more money to spend, but not that much.

“Maybe you believe that because we’re Manchester City we could do that but it was not possible.”

City’s inability to land Evans has come back to bite them after captain Vincent Kompany is currently injured with a calf injury.

City had hoped to find a buyer for Eliaquim Mangala during the transfer window but the Frenchman stayed put and Guardiola said he could now provide an option at centreback.

“If he’s here it’s because he is willing to play,” Guardiola said. “I know his qualities.

“He’s a real central defender and we are going to help him a little bit with the weakness in the build-up, to help him improve.

“I spoke with him after the deadline, to say he is part of the group and that he has to win my confidence on the pitch.”

We had a little bit more money to spend, but not that much. Pep Guardiola