Premier League giants Manchester City were keen on roping in either Lionel Messi or Neymar this summer.
Reports confirm that City had three conversations with their agents, before facing the reality that none of the players were interested in making a switch now.
After taking charge at Etihad, Guardiola hoped to land Messi or Neymar and later made it clear to the Man City players, with a message: My way, or the way out.
Sources claim that the Man City hierarchy has promised Guardiola that Sheikh Mansour is ready to splurge huge cash to rebuild the squad next, but the board also expects to lift the Premier League title this season.
Man City have made a flying start to the season and has maintained their 100% record, which puts them at the top of the table. However, to clinch the title this season, they have to hold on to their form and build upon the momentum gained from back to back wins. This would also require his top 5 players to deliver consistently.
Sergio Aguero and David Silva are the integral part of the squad and needs to lead by front. Aguero has displayed incredible form right from the start of the season, but the board wants both the players to work on their defensive abilities. The board also believes that Kevin De Bruyne is the main driving force in the squad with a brilliant work rate, pace, ball control and clinical finishing skills.
Sources also reveal that Guardiola is fond of Fernandinho and is excited to work with Sterling, who has stepped up his game and is in brilliant form after drawing huge criticism for his sloppy performances last season and at Euro 2016 in France.
Earlier, this summer, rumours about City’s interest in Messi and Neymar broke in after Barca president John Laporta revealed that the Catalans may offload Messi to Man City as the Argentine has entered the last two years of his contract with the Spanish club.
It is believed that Guardiola is in no hurry to sign the Barcelona star but might make an attempt in the next summer window if Barca do not tie down Messi with a new contract. It is understood that with one year left on his contract next summer, Barca would demand an astronomical fee for their star player.
However, Barcelona’s sporting director Robert Fernandez believes that Messi will commit his future to the club by signing a bumper long-term contract which would see him ending his glorious career at Camp Nou.
Roping in Neymar would be more difficult as the Brazilian star has recently penned a new 5-year contract with Barcelona, and it is believed that the club would demand a whooping fee for him.
However, neglecting Guardiola’s influence on players would be foolish. It is believed that he has the ability to attract world-class talents. Messi has won several trophies under former Barcelona manager Guardiola and Man City might use their coach to convince the Argentine star to make a switch to Man City next summer.