Pep Guardiola admits Premier League charges could hamper Man City’s transfer plans

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has accepted that recent charges for alleged financial breaches could hamper the Blues’ transfer plans

City face an uncertain future after being slapped with 115 breaches of Premier League rules on Monday and there has been speculation that they could be relegated if they are found guilty of a significant number of charges.

The case is likely to drag on well beyond this summer and despite City’s belief that they will clear their name, the precariousness of their position could see some players they target decide it is too much of a risk to join the club.

That could be problematic ahead of a window that was likely to see a substantial refresh of the first-team squad, but Guardiola isn’t too concerned but admit some doubts surrounding the summer transfer window, as the charges risk impacting the Blues’ plans in the market.

“If we have to recruit Paul Dickov I will recruit Paul Dickov. No problem. Our fans would be happy.

“If the players want to come we’re more than delighted. Don’t want to come? Okay, don’t come. So we play with what we are.”

Guardiola might also face a battle to retain some of his players. Ilkay Gundogan is out of contract in the summer and yet to sign a new deal and Bernardo Silva has been agitating for a move for the past few years.

But the City boss has pledged his own future to the club and wants to stay to persuade his players that the success they’ve achieved hasn’t been tainted and to continue fighting for title on the pitch.

“I want to convince them that what we have done we have done it, they won’t remove it. We have to defend our position, on the pitch is the only way to do it, what we have done all the time,” he said.

Manchester City could move within three points of Arsenal, who they play at the Emirates on Wednesday, with a win over Villa at the Etihad on Sunday.

The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Saturday, courtesy of an Ivan Toney equaliser in the 74th minute.