Pep Guardiola says Manchester are doing ‘absolutely everything’ to convince Brahim Diaz to stay at the club.
Reports on Friday morning suggested the 19-year-old is set to join Real Madrid as early as January having decided that his chances of first-team football at the Etihad are limited.
City remain keen to keep the Spain youth international but Diaz is said to feel that his prospects appear brighter at the Bernabeu.
Ahead of City’s clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, Guardiola was asked about Diaz at his pre-match press conference.
“The academy has to be so proud,” said Guardiola. “It has been working so well for many years.
“With Brahim, it is simple. We want to extend his contract four or five years. We do absolutely everything for him to stay but my advice is if he doesn’t want to stay he has to leave.”
Pep Guardiola’s brother too has urged Manchester City youngster Brahim Diaz to remain patient over his future, according to reports.
Diaz has played three times for the Citizens this season, scoring two goals in the League Cup, but has yet to make a Premier League appearance this term.
Marca claims that Real Madrid will sign Diaz but it is unclear whether that will be in January or the summer, while another Spanish publication AS report that he will definitely not renew his contract with City, instead opting to join Santiago Solari’s men.