Pep Guardiola makes Man City transfer admission after Erling Haaland deal

Pep Guardiola does not think Manchester City will do a great deal more business in the transfer market this summer after already wrapping up Erling Haaland in a stunning £51million deal. But the Blues boss always stresses that he keeps transfer business at arm’s length other than being asked for his opinion.

The Blues will be short of a defensive midfielder with 37-year-old Fernandinho moving on this summer, and with Benjamin Mendy still suspended pending his court case for alleged sexual assaults, they could also do with a left-back. The arrival of Haaland and of Argentina striker Julian Alvarez means the Blues are strong up front, even though Gabriel Jesus is eyeing a move - with Arsenal strong candidates - and Raheem Sterling’s future is still uncertain.

The short-term plan for fringe youngsters like Cole Palmer and Liam Delap - who could land a loan to a Premier League or top Championship club - is also a factor, while James McAtee and Romeo Lavia are also pushing hard to play a bigger role next season. City have been stung by a rash of defensive injuries at the end of this season, and Guardiola says the realisation that it would have been a nightmare if it had happened earlier is also a consideration.

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“I think the squad is strong but you always pray there are no injuries, especially long-term injuries, because it is a massive disturbance with this calendar,” he said. “The club has a duty - not me, the club - and I know they are working on that and always thinking, I am not saying it is going to happen (more transfers) but they always have a plan to see what can happen.

“The club always has to look ahead, to view who is the next manager or staff, or if five players leave who