Pep Guardiola hint at new faces speaks volumes for Man City transfer plans

News sounds better for Manchester City fans when it comes straight from the mouth of Pep Guardiola.

It has been an anxious start to the transfer window for the Blues, with no apparent signs of cover for Rodri and a host of top names linked with big-money moves to the Saudi Pro League. Reports in theManchester Evening News and elsewhere that Kevin De Bruyne was unlikely to go have been there, but that hasn't stopped the noise promoting a potential switch.

On Tuesday in North Carolina, City's manager was unequivocal about the situation. "Kevin isn't leaving," he said. Even that may not stop the speculation, but it should make City fans feel a lot better hearing it from their coach rather than reporters.

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In his first address of the season, Guardiola elaborated on the position City find themselves in in the transfer market. There are players they would like to sign that are too expensive, but the squad does not need major surgery and it would not be financially responsible or possible to bring in seven or eight new faces.

There was exciting talk about new winger Savinho, and also an unprompted mention of young midfielder James McAtee after spending two years on loan at Sheffield United. McAtee wants to make the grade at the Etihad this summer to be part of the first-team squad for the season, and Guardiola made it known without anyone asking that he would like that as well.

Guardiola has spoken in previous seasons about the hunger that new signings or academy faces bring to the first-team squad, and sees in McAtee the potential to add something