NO CITY RUSH TO REPLACE TORRES

Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City have no intention of signing a striker next month, despite the imminent departure of Ferran Torres.

Spain forward Torres is set to join Barcelona when the transfer window opens in January after the Premier League champions accepted a £46.7 million offer from the Catalan giants.

Torres was signed primarily as a winger but has often operated as a centre forward, with the club short of natural striking options.

City failed in their attempts to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham last summer but have no immediate plans to look elsewhere for a striker.

“No, we’re not going to bring in any striker in January,” said manager Guardiola at a press conference when asked if this could now be a possibility.

The City manager said he was not even disappointed that Torres wanted to leave, accepting that the lure of Barcelona was something the 21-yearold probably could not resist.

He said: “I know they are negotiating and I think it is close. When the club announces it, it will be done.

“I want the happiness of my players. If we had just two or three attacking players then maybe Ferran would think he had more chance to play and stay longer.

“But always I have the feeling that when Barcelona or Real Madrid knock on the door of players then it is difficult to say no.

“They are still the strongest teams in the world in terms of fashion, cities and many reasons. He is from Spain, Barcelona knock and I understand why he wants to leave.”

City are next in action when they host Leicester on Boxing Day before travelling to Brentford on Wednesday.

City’s title rivals Chelsea are also in action on Boxing Day as they visit Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa. Tottenham host Crystal Palace and Arsenal are away to Norwich.