Sources: Brighton star NOT on Pep Guardiola’s radar as Manchester City rule out possible head-to-head with Chelsea

Manchester City are not considering a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo before the transfer window shuts, City Xtra understand.

There has been increasing speculation in recent days over a mystery club making an £80 million approach for the Ecuador international, who is attempting to force through a desired switch to Chelsea in the coming weeks.

Manchester City saw their now-former club captain Ilkay Gundogan join Barcelona on a free transfer in June, before boosting their midfield personnel with the arrival of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for £30 million.

Kovacic impressed in his competitive debut for Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday evening, facing off against Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice, who had also attracted interest from the Etihad Stadium before joining forces with Mikel Arteta in north London.

Rice was seen as a potential replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who showcased his attacking prowess with a series of crucial goals in City’s treble run-in last season. In the end however, the Premier League champions refused to match Arsenal’s staggering £105 million bid for the England international.

Moreover, the future of Kalvin Phillips, who joined Manchester City from Leeds for £45 million last summer, has been in question after an underwhelming, injury-riddled debut campaign in Manchester.

City Xtra reported last month that despite over 15 approaches from clubs in England and abroad this summer, Kalvin Phillips is determined to stay at Manchester City and fight for a starting place.

Manchester City were reportedly willing to listen to offers for Phillips earlier in the window but despite not featuring in the Community Shield on Sunday, the 27-year-old still hopes to win Pep Guardiola over and feature more regularly in his second season at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking in a press conference prior to Manchester City’s Community Shield loss last weekend, Pep Guardiola said, “I don’t know if we are finished in transfer market, still some more I think,” indicating that he is looking to make a few more additions to the squad before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Manchester City are searching for a suitable replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who joined Saudi-Arabian club Al-Ahli for £30 million last month, having ruled out moves for Barcelona’s Raphinha and RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo – as City Xtra reported last month.

Last week, there were reports of an unknown club making a bid worth £80 million for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, who wants out of the Amex Stadium to join Chelsea.

Despite suggestions that Manchester City have made a late entrance in the race to sign Caicedo, City Xtra can confirm that the Premier League champions are not considering an approach for the 21-year-old.

Sources have also knocked back claims that Manchester City were the club who tabled the reported offer worth over £80 million for the highly-rated midfielder.

However, it remains unclear whether the club are looking to sign another midfielder before the window shuts, as they hope to tie Bernardo Silva down to a fresh, lucrative contract as a reward for his exemplary performances over the last few seasons.