Pep’s side have in a statement by their director of football consider themselves “out of the race” to sign Kylian Mbappe from Monaco.
City were one of a number of top-flight European clubs to have confirmed their interest in the France striker this summer, alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid fighting to sign the 18-year-old.
But Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain conceded the club have ruled themselves out of a deal for the teenager’s signature.
Mbappe, who scored 24 goals last season, has been heavily linked with a move to Ligue 1 side PSG and was this week criticised by a Monaco supporters group as rumours of a switch to the club’s rivals continued.
A training ground argument with team-mate Andrea Raggi resulted in Mbappe being dropped from last week’s win over Metz, after being benched the previous weekend in his team’s 4-1 victory over Dijon.
Meanwhile, Begiristain also ruled out signing Lionel Messi.
“Messi is staying at Barcelona, for sure,” he added.
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