Two players can prove Pep Guardiola's unpopular Man City transfer decision right

"To bring one or two new players to bring something fresh is necessary," said Pep Guardiola this week.

"But it's not necessary to put sometimes seven, eight players. You cannot, with modern financial issues, change six, seven players. It's unsustainable, it's impossible. We have to be smart."

Manchester City have so far only signed one new face in a low-key transfer market, and Guardiola is '85, 90, 95 per cent' confident that his current squad is the one that will defend the latest Premier League title. That probably means no new signings, unless someone turns round and asks to leave.

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It helps, then, that two players who could leave have both spoken this week of their desire to stay and fight for their place, well aware that minutes could be hard to come by. They're helping City be smart in the transfer market.

First it was Oscar Bobb, who said it was his dream to play for City and reiterated that he is in the right place to develop. There had been some suggestions, externally at least, that Bobb should leave on loan to show his obvious talents but he doesn't agree.

He followed that statement up with a goal and assists from both flanks in City's opening pre-season clash. He then gave an assessment of the game that Guardiola would be delighted to hear. "I think my goal and two assists were decent, but overall a bit rusty."

Eagle-eyed fans spotted Bobb listed as number 22 at the club shop for a short period on Wednesday, and a squad number promotion would be a deserved reward for his impressive