Manchester City will not put centre-back John Stones up for sale, with manager Pep Guardiola set to make Napoli midfielder Jorginho and another forward his top targets in this summer’s transfer window, sources have told ESPN FC.
Guardiola only wants to make small alterations to his squad after dominating the Premier League this season and claiming the title with five games remaining.
He wants to add a central midfielder and attacker, but sources have told ESPN FC that he is not interested in a new centre-back despite reports that Stones will be put up for sale.
Stones has been linked with a move away after failing to start a Premier League game since Jan. 20, but the 23-year-old has battled a number of minor injuries, including concussion and an adductor problem, that has forced him to miss the last three weeks.
City also completed a £57 million deal for Aymeric Laporte in January.
Jorginho, a Brazil-born Italy international, has emerged as the top choice to play in the holding midfield role with the 26-year-old expected to cost around £50m the summer.
Fernandinho has excelled in the deep-lying midfield role but Guardiola wants to add an alternative in that position with Yaya Toure set to leave the club when his contract runs out at the end of the season.
City were keen on Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred in January, but Jorginho has now become the leading target after impressing in two Champions League matches against City and playing a significant role in Napoli’s Serie A title challenge.
Jorginho has been linked with moves to Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool but said in March that he was flattered after receiving praise from Guardiola.
“It’s always nice to receive compliments, but it’s spectacular when they come from a manager with that importance and winning past,” he said.
“He’s a global icon. All I can do is to be grateful. This is a consequence not just of my work but of all my teammates in Napoli.”
Director of football Txiki Begiristain is trying to get deals completed before the World Cup starts on June 14 with the transfer window closing before the start of the season on Aug. 9.
Jonathan is ESPN FC’s Manchester City correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @jonnysmiffy.
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