Guardiola hints at Manchester City January signings

Pep Guardiola has hinted that Manchester City could dip into the transfer market when it reopens in January, although he is not holding out too much hope.

City will welcome 19-year-old Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus to the club at the start of 2017, having sealed a deal with Palmeiras in the summer.

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain insists he is confident that the current squad can achieve their targets in the second half of the season, and that Jesus will be the only arrival next month.

Guardiola also says he is content with the squad at his disposal, but he did not rule out the possibility that he could bring in a new player if a deal presents itself.

"Until now I am happy with what we have and have confidence in the players we have," he said on Friday. "I am not denying maybe we will look for something, I am not saying that.

"But I think right now it’s not going to happen. The players we have, we have to convince them of their qualities. I am happy with the players we have".

'Goal' understands City are interested in Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, although he would likely command a fee of around £50 million.

That would have a significant knock-on effect on City’s transfer dealings in the summer, given they will need to reinforce their squad with several other defenders, and that they will need to bring in more homegrown players.

Joe Hart, Gael Clichy and Fabian Delph are among City’s current Premier League-reared stars who face uncertain futures beyond this summer.