Manchester City are unlikely to bring in more new signings ahead of Thursday s transfer deadline, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
The Premier League champions only major acquisition of the close-season so far came when Riyad Mahrez joined for a club-record £60million from Leicester City last month.
Another specialist holding midfield option alongside Fernandinho was also a priority but City s pursuit of Jorginho ended with the Italy international moving to Chelsea from Napoli.
Jorginho struggled in the Chelsea side that City swept aside 2-0 thanks to a Sergio Aguero brace during Sunday s Community Shield and, after the match, Guardiola hinted his club might be closing in on a new signing.
But he sounded a different tone at Sky Sports Premier League launch event on Tuesday when discussing the options within his squad who can operate at the base of the midfield.
We have Fernandinho, [Ilkay] Gundogan can play there. At Tottenham last season when Fernandinho was suspended he played top
But Gundogan I like as a player with a special feeling in the box. I remember a little bit Paul Scholes who had the special feeling in that position.
We don t have many. I don t think we are going to sign more this season.
John [Stones], I think he can play there but I don t know.
Get ready, Premier League!
— Manchester City (@ManCity)
Irrespective of whether or not there are any more incomings, long-serving City captain Vincent Kompany believes there is a level of hunger among his team-mates that was not present when the club failed to defend the Premier League title in 2012-13 and 2014-15.
Before saying anything or doing anything, you want to observe and see if you can see the same mistakes as what we made previously, the centre-back told Sky Sports.
I ve got to be honest. There was a feeling that whenever we won the league and you came back into the first training sessions everybody was a little bit lax a little bit more smiles and happiness but a little bit less committed. Teams that just wanted it more could actually hurt us.
I came in this time and it s completely different. We realise this is precious and we want to hold on to it.
