Manchester City round-up: Barcelona star linked; South American influence to increase; Guardiola reacts to Chelsea loss

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Reports in The Sun over the past day have claimed that Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has refused to rule out a move to Manchester City during the next transfer window.

It was believed that the German goalkeeper was the man that Pep Guardiola wanted to sign upon his arrival at the Etihad, but instead had to opt for Claudio Bravo as the Spanish side held on to him.

Yet a year down the line and Ter Stegen has added fuel to the fire that a move to the Premier League may be on the cards over the upcoming months, claiming that anything is possible.

Speaking this week, the Barca ‘keeper said:

“I don’t know [about signing a new contract]. I try to give my best for myself and the team, and improve myself.

“You never know what will come afterwards. I’m living right now, that’s the most important thing. I am satisfied with my colleagues and my friends and hope to win many trophies. That is the goal.”

It’s highly expected that the Manchester City manager will delve into the market to acquire a new number one goalkeeper, with Bravo struggling to impress and Willy Caballero out of contract soon.

Although Barcelona currently have no plans to get rid of the 24-year-old German international, Guardiola’s previous link to the Nou Camp could prove to be critical to any agreement being made.

Away from the transfer market, the Manchester Evening News has reported that Manchester City have finalised an agreement to buy Uruguayan second division side Atletico Torque and are currently in talks with Venezuelan outfit Atletico Venezuela as the club attempt to improve their South American scouting.

City Football Group, the organisation behind the deal, believe that it will double City’s scouting in the continent and will help give the Premier League side the best possible look at up-and-coming talent.

Speaking about the deal, Chief Executive Ferran Soriano said:

“We are pleased to take this next step in our football development operations.

“The investment in CA Torque enables our organisation to build on existing connectivity in Uruguay and helps to expand the options for identifying and developing local and South American talent.”

The Citizen’s links to South America have already paid dividends in the past year, helping them land Brazilian teenage sensation Gabriel Jesus for a decent price, going directly to Brazilian side Palmeiras.

Meanwhile, manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that his side’s chances of winning the Premier League are well and truly over after falling to a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last night.

Two first-half goals from Eden Hazard either side of a Sergio Aguero effort secured the spoils for Antonio Conte’s side, and Guardiola has now urged his players to focus on gaining a top-four spot.

Reacting after a disappointing evening, the Spaniard said:

“The Premier League is gone now, it will be between Tottenham and Chelsea. So now we want the Champions League places.

“We come here to Stamford Bridge and play the way we have, with huge personality. I’m a lucky guy to manage these guys.

The City manager was still in high spirits despite the defeat, however, praising midfielder Fabian Delph in particular as well as insisting that the future is bright at the Etihad Stadium.

“I’m optimistic. It’s been like this all season but in the boxes we are not good enough. We created enough to score goals. It’s our problem. But my players play in one way and that’s why I want to be here – to help Man City for years.”

Guardiola’s side remain in fourth place after their defeat on Wednesday night, now two points behind Liverpool in third – with a game in hand – and four points above Arsenal and Manchester United.

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