I could Pep up defence
PEP GUARDIOLA has hinted that he would like to sign a centre-back before Manchester City open their defence of the Treble.
The champions have yet to replace Vincent Kompany after the Belgian quit to become playerboss of Anderlecht.
City are refusing to meet Leicester’s £90m valuation of Harry Maguire, while reports of a possible move for Benfica’s Ruben Dias have been dismissed by club officials.
That means City could go into the new season relying on John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Nicolas Otamendi and youngsters Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Guardiola said: “I don’t know if new players will come but since I came here I have been delighted with the players we have.
“Maybe we [will replace Kompany] but we have three incredible central defenders.
“And Fernandinho can play in that position also.”
City have spent a club record £63m on Spanish midfielder Rodri and £6m to bring back full-back Angelino from PSV Eindhoven.
They have seen Fabian Delph depart for Everton, while Bayern Munich’s charm offensive to land City’s German winger Leroy Sane refuses to go away.
Guardiola said in midweek that Sane could leave but was much more bullish yesterday when he said: “For a long time, they [Bayern] are talking about they are interested.
“But Leroy is our player and hopefully he can stay here next season – and the next season and the next season.”