Pep Guardiola gives spiky response to Jude Bellingham transfer

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola didn’t take too kindly to being asked about Jude Bellingham in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Leicester.

The England midfielder has been linked with City and Liverpool, as well as clubs from overseas, and a move to the Etihad Stadium would see him reunited with former Borussia Dortmund stars Erling Haaland and Manuel Akanji.

Bellingham could cost £130 million this summer and is also of interest to European heavyweights PSG and Real Madrid, with the latter ready to pay an initial €115 million according to The Telegraph.

After being questioned about Bellingham in Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League visit of relegation-threatened Leicester, Guardiola retorted: ‘How many press conferences have you come here?

‘You know the answer, it’s not necessary, you have to prepare better.

‘You come here prepare the questions knowing me which answer I will give to your question. Next one,’ he added.

Bellingham has made 37 appearances and been directly involved in 17 goals across three competitions so far this season for Dortmund.

The midfielder has scored four goals in seven UEFA Champions League appearances and scored against City in the competition last season.

City are preparing to add to their midfield this summer with the futures of both Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva still uncertain.

Gundogan is out of contract at the end of the season and is heavily linked with a potential free transfer to Barcelona.