PEP: I WILL NEVER REPLACE SILVA

PEP Guardiola has no intention of buying a replacement for David Silva when the brilliant Spaniard leaves City in the summer.

The Blues boss will lose a midfielder who many fans think is the greatest player in the club’s history, and who has won four Premier League winner’s medals, four League Cups and two FA Cups.

“I don’t think we’re going to do anything in this position, I don’t think we will sign anyone,” he said ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at Wolves.

“Maybe I will change my mind - it depends on the next six months but I have other priorities.

“Bernardo can play there, Phil (Foden) is there, we have (Ilkay) Gundogan, we have Kevin (de Bruyne) so I don’t think we will do anything in this position. That is my thought today, we will see at the end of the season.”

The plan has always been for Foden to step into Silva’s boots, but Guardiola has always insisted the young Stopfordian has to prove himself worthy, rather than be gifted appearances.

Silva is still recovering from injury and is a doubt for tonight and Sunday’s game with Sheffield United.

But Guardiola refused to accept the view that the 33-year-old has been beneath his best this season.

“When David played, he played good,” said the manager.

“The problem is now he is injured but when he plays he is at his highest competitiveness and desire to play, and I’m pretty sure he’s going to give us incredibly good moments until the end of the season.”