Pep Guardiola issued a strong statement about Kevin De Bruyne not leaving Manchester City this summer.
The reigning Premier League champions have a big decision to make on whether or not to sell the 33-year-old playmaker.
HITC understands that Kevin De Bruyne will wait 12 months before making a final decision on his future at Manchester City.
There has been interest in De Bruyne’s signature from MLS side San Diego this summer as well as from the Saudi Pro League.
However, Guardiola insisted on Tuesday morning that Kevin De Bruyne will not leave the club despite the interest.
Gabby Agbonlahor on Manchester City transfers
While City is taking a firm stance on De Bruyne staying, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor believes the champions could sell him and reinvest the money elsewhere.
He tipped City to cash in on De Bruyne and replace him with Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said “I see him [De Bruyne] going. I think later in the window I do see him going. You pointed out to me that he only played 18 league games last season.
“If you’re Manchester City – especially with Financial Fair Play – if you can get £100million for him you are making that deal happen.
“I think with a year left, at 33, and he is not the same Kevin De Bruyne we have seen – I would say £50-£60million is about right.
“Manchester City will then use that money to strengthen again, there’s talk about Eze for £ 68 million so they could end up taking £ 70 million and making it happen so they can spend that money straight on Eze. So I see that deal happening.”
Eberechi Eze to Manchester City
According to The Mirror, City is considering a move for £ 68 million-rated Eze this summer.
Eze has become a star player at Selhurst Park and he appeared to reach a new gear under Palace boss Oliver Glasner last season.
Glasner hailed Eze as “brilliant” last season alongside Michael Olise – who has since left to join Bayern Munich.