Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers provides major update on future of primary Manchester City transfer target

Manchester City supporters have been hit with a transfer window blow courtesy of comments from Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers regarding one attacking star.

The latest update comes as part of Manchester City’s ongoing search for a new back-up option to Erling Haaland in the club’s leading striker role, following major changes in their squad roster earlier this summer.

Julian Alvarez made the decision to bring an end to a hugely successful time in Sky Blue by joining Atletico Madrid in an initial €75 million deal, rising to a total of €95 million through potential add-ons.

Manchester City are now tasked with the challenge of finding a player of a suitable standard to meet their first-team qualities, whilst also being content with acting as a back-up to Erling Haaland for the most part of the season.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was all too keen to dismiss the idea of Manchester City having launched a transfer assault on the Scottish Premier League giants’ attacking star, Kyogo Furuhashi.

“Naturally it comes and we just deal with it,” Rodgers said when quizzed on recent media speculation regarding transfer interest from the Etihad Stadium.

“But there’s been nothing from Man City. It’s obviously rumour and gossip. I haven’t spoken to him directly on that. If I was speaking to every player around gossip and speculation, I would be 24 hours a day,” the Celtic manager continued.

“It’s of no interest to me. My focus is very much here with Celtic and preparing the team for the game at the weekend. Most importantly for me is he is now back feeling comfortable on the grass.

“He has been brilliant in training the last couple of days and he will be available for the weekend.”

The latest understanding on the situation involving Celtic’s Japanese international is that Manchester City are now unlikely to pursue a deal, with the same belief applied to the club’s admiration in FC Copenhagen’s Orri Oskarsson.

Both players are among Manchester City’s shortlist for options to come in and support Erling Haaland and the Norwegian’s workload this season, but at the same time it is understood that Pep Guardiola and his staff are content with their existing options.