Guardiola wants Tottenham target Savinho to stay at Man City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he hopes to keep Brazilian winger Savinho for “many years” despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank is reportedly keen on the 21-year-old following Son Heung-min’s exit and James Maddison’s long-term injury.

Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League opener away to Wolves on Saturday, Guardiola said neither Savinho nor goalkeeper Ederson linked with Galatasaray had asked to leave.

“If they want to leave, they will knock on my door,” he told reporters on Friday. “Tottenham or any other club should call the club. I hope Savinho stays because at 21, with his potential, he plays a lot of minutes. He has to improve in final decisions but he is an extraordinary player.”

However, Guardiola admitted that “the desire of the players is above everything” and any departure would depend on reaching an agreement with the club.

Savinho, who made 48 appearances in his debut season, will miss “a few weeks” after picking up an injury in last week’s pre-season friendly against Palermo.

Midfielder Rodri, recovering from a knee injury, is expected to travel with the squad but will be eased back carefully. “We don’t want him to come back and then step back,” Guardiola said.

City have been trimming their squad, with Jack Grealish joining Everton earlier this week. “I wish him all the best at a traditional club like Everton,” Guardiola said.

James McAtee is also close to completing a move to Nottingham Forest. “I would love to have Macca but I have too many players,” the City boss added.