Pep Guardiola has shed light on Savinho’s absence from training ahead of the Premier League opener, amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to land their two top transfer targets before the summer window closes on 1 September.
Thomas Frank’s side is currently pursuing Manchester City winger Savinho, having already submitted a £43 million bid for the Brazilian, with Tottenham also in the race for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
City, however, has rejected Tottenham’s initial offer for Savinho, but reports suggest an improved bid from Spurs is expected soon.
Pep Guardiola addresses Savinho’s situation at Manchester City
There had been talk that Savinho had not been training with the City squad, amid links to Tottenham. Savinho is believed to be open to a move away from Manchester City, with reports claiming Savio’s agent has travelled to London to help push through a deal to north London.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference before Manchester City’s Premier League opener against Wolves, Guardiola was asked about the future of several players linked with moves away from the Etihad, including Savinho.
The Brazilian came off the bench for the second half of the friendly with Palermo last week and appears to have picked up an issue.
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The Spanish manager revealed that the winger is currently sidelined, he said: “Savinho is injured from Palermo. He will be out for a few weeks.
“Ederson did not come to me and say he wanted to leave. All the players are here and I want them.”
Spurs’ hopes of signing Savinho remain uncertain
While the winger is said to be receptive to the idea of joining Spurs, David Ornstein has indicated that a transfer to Tottenham is far from certain for Savinho.
Guardiola is not typically one to stand in the way of players who wish to move on, especially when a transfer is in the player’s interest.
Reports indicate this may be the case with Savinho, with suggestions that Pep is open to allowing him to leave should the right offer come in.
If City were to entertain the idea of selling, it would require a significantly higher offer than Spurs’ initial £43 million bid, raising questions over whether Spurs would be willing to meet their valuation.