Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to thwart any plans Cristiano Ronaldo may have had of luring Mateo Kovacic to Saudi Arabia. Following Ilkay Gundogan's unexpected return to Manchester City last month, Kovacic's position in Guardiola's team appears to be under threat.
The former Chelsea ace, 30, was signed as Gundogan's replacement last summer, but with the German, 33, now back in the fray at the Etihad Stadium, Kovacic might have to settle for a place on City's bench.
As a result, Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have expressed interest in the Croatian and are understood to have asked Ronaldo, who played with Kovacic at Real Madrid, to convince him to join.
However, according to reports, Guardiola, 53, doesn't want to sell the midfielder and is planning to block any exit. READ MORE: Man City replacement for Kevin De Bruyne has just sent a clear message to Pep Guardiola READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo aims subtle dig at Lionel Messi after Man United great marks new milestone This news will likely disappoint Ronaldo, 39, though won't come as a complete shock given how much of a thorn Guardiola has been in his side over the years.