Pep Guardiola has refused to be drawn on suggestions that Manchester City are in pole position to capture the signature of Erling Haaland this summer.
The Borussia Dortmund striker - often linked to Liverpool - has been in red hot form this season, plundering 23 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions and is widely regarded as one of the most sought-after players in European football.
But when Guardiola was asked about the prospect of the Norwegian forward joining Manchester City at the end of the season, he offered a prickly response to reporters.
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Speaking at his FA Cup pre-match press conference, he said: “Since I'm here, every month we are going to sign 50 players. Right now, it's impossible I'm going to talk about some guys who aren't here, Haaland is a Dortmund player. You can ask for this player or another one. The transfer window is going to start and many things will happen.
“Maybe I speak about this club needs a striker for the next five, six, seven years maybe once in 12 months. I'm not going to be the guy with the success because we didn't have a striker.”
The Sky Blues made several attempts to sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane at the start of the season but were unable to get a deal over the line.
Nevertheless, Guardiola's side still still at the top of the Premier League - a point ahead of Liverpool - and continue to fight for silverware in both the FA Cup and Champions League, all without a recognised striker.
Haaland will be up for grabs in the summer thanks to a reported £64 million buy-out clause in his contract. European big-hitters Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also showing interest for the prolific star.
German newspaper Bild claim that any move for Haaland could see him land a whopping £25million signing on fee, however, Guardiola was keen to explain why City have been coping without a centre forward.
He added: “It's important that if you play good, seven or eight players arrive in the box. This is the best way. Right now we are ahead to try and go Wembley for the semi-finals, in the last eight in Europe, and top of the Premier League.
“What we have done so far is great. We play this game, pray the players come back from the national team no injuries. We've fought a lot to be there.”
