Manuel Akanji names Chelsea star he’d love to play with as Pep Guardiola gives verdict on Jude Bellingham

A round-up of the biggest Manchester City stories as Pep Guardiola speaks to the media ahead of the Champions League clash with Real Madrid and gives his verdict on Jude Bellingham.

Pep Guardiola gives his verdict on Jude Bellingham

Manchester City will be looking to qualify for a fourth Champions League semi-final in succession on Wednesday as they take on Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium.

The tie is finely poised after a pulsating 3-3 draw at the Bernabeu which saw Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol score for the Blues.

Pep Guardiola is excited for the match and believes his team are going to perform well against the kings of Europe.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, broadcast on City’s official website, Guardiola also gave his view on Jude Bellingham.

He said: “I think Bellingham shows, playing at the top clubs Madrid, Barcelona, it is not easy to settle quick and he settle a lot quicker.

“From the beginning, he was huge in terms of goals, in terms of presence and many things at his age.

“I think he handles the pressure without a problem and have a good mentality.

“He’s an exception player. What can I say? We have to control him.”

Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Manuel Akanji names Chelsea star he’d love to play alongside

Former City youngster Cole Palmer stole all the headlines on Monday as he scored four goals in the 6-0 battering of Everton.

Now Palmer has overtaken Erling Haaland in the Premier League scoring chart and with every passing week City’s decision to sell gets more baffling.

However, it’s a different Chelsea player Manuel Akanji has admitted he’s a big fan of. Find out who by clicking below.

Man City believe £80m asking price for forward is ‘excessive’

It’s the business end of the season which means in a few short weeks the transfer window will be upon us.

City are bound to dip into the market to strengthen their incredible side yet further and a new forward may be on the agenda.

With Phil Foden setting his sights on a permanent central position, a new wide forward may be needed to facilitate that move.

City have been heavily linked with one fantastic Premier League winger but might have now been priced out.