Pep Guardiola refuses to comment on Erling Haaland links amid Manchester City interest

Just days after Manchester City bowed out of the FA Cup to rivals Liverpool, news broke of their interest in signing Erling Haaland this summer.

The Norwegian striker will be available in the transfer window for £63million due to the release clase in his Borussia Dortmund contract, and with City reportedly offering a £500,000-a-week offer, it seems the deal is on the brink of being completed.

Since Sergio Aguero moved to Barcelona, City have had a lack of strikers in their squad, meaning Guardiola has shifted his system to play a false-nine as the side's spearhead.

However, when questioned on the transfer speculation, Guardiola refused to comment and be drawn into the rumours.

"No answer to your question," said Guardiola, before adding "No answer about these questions. I have another concern and business in my head right now (than) to think what will happen in this club next season."

With City continuing their pursuit of a first European title, a world class striker could be the final piece of the puzzle, and Haaland fits that bill despite only being 21 years old.

With the Citizens happy to put together a financial package that reportedly includes another £30million in agent fees, it seems they have taken a strong lead in the race to sign the Dortmund star.

After swatting away questions about transfer rumours, Guardiola instead wanted to focus on the remainder of this season, which could see City defend their Premier League title while also compete for the Champions League.

"We don't know what is going to happen in the future. For many years I never talk about transfer windows, especially when we have incredible things to play for this season."

Next up for the league leaders is a visit from Brighton on Wednesday evening, where a win would ensure they are top regardless of Liverpool's result against Manchester United on Tuesday.