CITY BOSS PEP: SANCHEZ IS ON MY WISH-LIST

PEP GUARDIOLA has admitted he would love to sign Alexis Sanchez.

Sunday Mirror Sport revealed last May that Guardiola (above) had put the £50million Arsenal star on his Manchester City wish-list when he agreed to take charge at the

Etihad. The Gunners stood firm when City made an approach last summer. But they will be forced to cash in this year, with the 28-year-old refusing to sign a new contract as his current deal moves into its final 12 months.

And rivals Manchester United have also emerged as shock contenders for Sanchez after the devastating injury to talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Guardiola, who signed Sanchez for Barcelona, said: “How do big clubs improve their teams? With better players.

“Big clubs around the world are going to know Sanchez’s situation. When the big players go to Barcelona, they understand that Lionel Messi is unique.

“But Alexis is just one step below. Alexis is a fantastic player and I’m so happy how he’s playing at Arsenal, especially this year scoring goals.

“Put Kevin De Bruyne (left) with a year left on his contract and see how many teams are interested.”

Guardiola added: “Managers are judged on trophies. I am good because I have won titles. So, of course, I hoped to win titles here.

“When I arrived in Barcelona from the second team, I still remember what the people said after my first game was a defeat. They destroyed me. After that, I was god – because I won titles. But I was still the same guy.

“So I am here to be judged on the success we have. So I know that, when we can’t win titles, I will be criticised.

“The expectation was so high when I arrived because of what I did in the past. I have to accept that and deal with it.”