Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made his feelings "clear" on how he will respond to speculation over potential incomings and outgoings during the January transfer window.
The Citizens are known to be in the market for reinforcements this month as they seek to address the age profile of Guardiola's squad and add much-needed depth in key positions.
A combination of injuries and a notable drop-off in form from several first-team players has contributed to Man City's demise this term, leaving them sixth in the Premier League table, out of the EFL Cup and in danger of failing to advance to the Champions League knockout rounds.
Man City hope that the addition of a few fresh faces this month can help turn their fortunes around on all fronts, and it seems as if they are currently focused on strengthening in both the defensive and attacking departments.
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Man City interested in Marmoush, Khusanov, Reis
Recent reports claim that Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush has agreed personal terms with Man City, who have informed the Bundesliga club of their interest in signing the £67m-rated Egyptian 'immediately'.
The Citizens are also targeting centre-back duo Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, and a deal to sign the former from Lens is reportedly on the verge of being agreed.
Guardiola's focus is currently on Man City's FA Cup third-round tie with Salford City on Saturday, but few will be surprised to learn that the Catalan was questioned about potential incomings during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
However, Guardiola has insisted that he is "not going to talk" about players from other clubs who have been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.
"Don't ask me about that because I'm not going [to answer]," Guardiola told reporters: "All month you're going to ask the same about all the players we are linked with in the media, so I'm not going to talk. You can insist, but I'm not going to answer because I don't know the situation.
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Guardiola: 'I'm not going to talk... Don't go in that way!'
"We know we should not go to the transfer window, I don't like much. The situation that's happened this season with many, many, many injuries, we have to try to do it because the situation is what it is. But what happens, I'm not going to talk because I don't know.
"Of course I have conversations with the club, but the process and what's happening, I don't know what's going to happen because it's so difficult. What is going to happen is going to happen, otherwise I cannot say anything else."
Guardiola was then informed of Marmoush's alleged desire to join Man City, but he replied: "Listen, was I not clear in my answer? Come on! I was clear in my answer. I'm not going to talk. He's a player from another club, I'm not saying an answer.
"You can say in every single press conference to talk about the transfer window until the end. I'm not going to answer one question! Don't go in that way!
"In the past, the same happened. I was clear, right? You can try it any time you want, no problem at all, but you know my answer."
While Man City allegedly target players in both attack and defence, it is understood that they will also move for a new midfielder at some stage this month, most likely a defensive-minded one with star lynchpin Rodri still sidelined with a long-term ACL injury.
Oliver Thomas
