Pellegrini: I’ll splash more cash

MANUEL PELLEGRINI has warned that Manchester City are not finished in the transfer market this summer, despite splashing out £90million on four new signings.

City have been the Premier League’s biggest spenders, bringing in Alvaro Negredo, Stevan Jovetic and Jesus Navas to strengthen their attack, along with Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho.

But it is understood that Pellegrini wants to buy another centre back, with Real Madrid’s £20m-rated Pepe still at the top of his list.

‘We have the month of July and August to finish the squad completely,’ said the new City boss. ‘It’s not absolutely complete but very near. I think City have a good squad — I’m very pleased with it.

‘The club has spent money on important players like Stevan and Negredo. But we must remind you that last year there was [Mario] Balotelli and [Carlos] Tevez, so we had to replace two very good players with another two very good players.’ Madrid are believed to be willing to sell Pepe, 30, at the right price, even though new coach Carlo Ancelotti would prefer to keep the Portugal defender at the Bernabeu.

Pellegrini refused to confirm City’s interest, however, adding: ‘I don’t talk about Pepe or any other names because it’s not better for us.

‘ I don’t speak about rumours. Today, we have the players we need here. I just said that we’ll see what happens this month and in August.’

CHRIS WHEELER