Pep Guardiola is adamant that Manchester City “don’t want Dele Alli” despite rumours linking them with a summer transfer for the Tottenham star.
Former Barcelona star Xavi had quotes attributed to him which claimed that Guardiola was considering a world record bid to take Alli from Spurs to the Etihad Stadium, although the Spaniard has now denied making such remarks.
The comments in question caused Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino to hit out at Xavi by claiming that Barcelona’s rivalry with his former club Espanyol made the midfielder his “enemy”.
But Guardiola has now moved to quell the disagreement and rumours of a move for the England international by plainly stating that he has no desire to sign Alli at the end of the season.
The ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was full of praise for the 21-year-old, who has 16 Premier League goals this season, describing Alli as one of the best attacking players he’s ever seen.
Yet the Manchester City coach insists that there is no chance of him trying to sign Alli and believes the midfielder will still be at Tottenham for the start of next season.
Speaking to Sky Sports Guardiola said: “Mauricio Pochettino has to stay calm. Dele Alli is going to be his player next season, I am pretty sure of that.
“We don’t want Dele Alli. He is a fantastic player. He is such good news for English football. He is a fighter, attacking the box he is one of the most fantastic players I’ve seen in my life.
“But Manchester City doesn’t want Dele Alli.”
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