Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has denied reports linking Kevin De Bruyne with a move away from the club amid speculation the star Belgian could move to Saudi Arabia.
De Bruyne, whose contract expires in 2025, said last month that he is not ruling out a move but Guardiola is confident there will be no major changes to the Premier League champions' squad before the end of the transfer window, which closes August 30.
Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad were said to be interested in the Belgian with De Bruyne admitting he has been discussing the future with his wife Michele.
But, speaking during Manchester City's pre-season tour in the US, Guardiola said: "Kevin isn't leaving.
"If someone leaves, we're going to talk about that. Of course, until the last day, we have chances [to make transfers], I don't rule it out the option to have new players but I think there is an 85, 90 per cent chance we will have the same squad.
"I feel comfortable, because the quality of human beings we have in the squad is difficult to be replaced, and the quality is there.
"But we'll see, I don't know in the last moment if someone comes for some players and they leave, we're going to decide."
Man City 2023-24 season ratings
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MANCHESTER CITY 2023/24 season ratings: Blamed himself for not setting the team up correctly the morning after the cup final defeat in an overly self-critical way, but was otherwise near faultless through the season. Made English football history with four titles in a row in another campaign where City were pressed all the way by their rivals. EPA -
An injury interrupted season for the Brazilian who has done more than most to reshape perceptions of what a modern goalkeeper should be. Looked devastated when injured at Spurs, perhaps he already knew his season was over. AFP -
His heroics against Spurs will long be remembered and to call him an able deputy is to do him a disservice. He was brilliant more often than not when called upon, although the Wembley mix-up with Gvardiol will hurt. Getty Images -
It looked for most of the summer as if he would leave Manchester for Munich, but Walker stayed, became captain and made close to 50 appearances. He was often played higher up the pitch than previously, contributing five assists this term. His recovery runs remain exceptional. AP -
He was Mr Reliable for much of the campaign, although his uncharacteristic mistake in the Spurs match could have undone City’s title chase but for Ortega’s heroics. City certainly looked more secure defensively when he came on in the cup final. Getty Images -
Four years at the club have yielded four league titles, as well as numerous other honours. As a pure defender he is almost without equal, although he was occasionally vulnerable to quick counter-attacks and transitions. PA -
Scored City’s first ever goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January in the FA Cup to counterbalance the unfortunate deflection off his face in the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in the autumn. One of City’s players of the year in the treble season, he was dependable rather than exceptional this term. Getty Images -
Had a tough introduction to English football but roared back to form in the run-in, when another tactical innovation by City sometimes had him as the most advanced player on the pitch. Scored five goals in a late-blooming campaign. Getty Images -
An injury hit season for Stones. Given his fitness issues, he was a surprise inclusion in the cup final line-up, where he initially struggled but steadied. PA -
Signed an improved contract this season as reward for exceptional work in the previous campaign. Scored his first league goal for the club in the freakish 2-2 home draw with Palace in December, when City let a two-goal lead slip. He will hope to get more minutes next term. AFP -
Wow, just wow. Wonderful season for Foden who will carry many of England’s aspirations at the European Championship this summer. Scored several standout goals and delivered on countless occasions to drive City towards their history making destination this year. AP -
Incredible servant of the club who rarely loses in a City shirt, especially in the league, where he remains 50 matches unbeaten. His pressing, touches and all-round ability to marshal the team are central to City’s front-foot identity. PA -
Bernardo’s season could easily be summed up in the space of 72 hours in April: fluffing his penalty in a heartbreaking shootout against Madrid on a Wednesday night, before being the difference maker at Wembley the following Saturday against Chelsea. At his best he is a human dynamo and would be a huge miss if he leaves the club this summer. AP -
Tough start to his City career, including the most difficult of afternoons against Arsenal in the autumn when he was lucky not to see red, but became a consistent and authoritative performer towards the end. AP -
He was an exciting addition to the squad in the summer and made several eye-catching performances, both as a starter and as an impact player from the bench. All round it was an excellent first year for the player. One suspects there is plenty more to come. PA -
An injury affected season for KDB, who spent months on the sidelines. When he did return, he delivered a footballing “greatest hits” package of goals and assists. Irreplaceable at City, although that time is fast approaching for a player who turns 33 next month. AP -
Not the season he would have hoped for, but occasionally showed why he was signed for big money. He will hope that he follows the trajectory of some other Guardiola signings by having a better second season than first. Getty Images -
A vital piece in the jigsaw in the treble winning season, this term was more of a mixed one. Critics will say he needs to add more goals and assists to his game, but at his best he delivers the control and ball retention that Guardiola craves. He will hope to bounce back next season. Getty Images -
Scored a goal of the season contender at Newcastle United to claim three points for his side and bagged another senior goal in the Champions League. He had a fine season all told and technically he is among the very best. EPA -
A regular fixture on the team sheet, Alvarez notched 19 goals in a season where he burned bright in the first half of the season but faded a little in the second. AP -
Collected his second Golden Boot in as many seasons, but struggled with injury and, uncharacteristically, missed some big chances when he came back. Nevertheless, 38 goals was still a remarkable return. Getty Images -
Limited number of appearances and minutes in all competitions this season, most from the bench. Getty Images
In June, De Bruyne told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws he was fond of the idea of a lucrative pay day in the latter stages of his career.
"For Michele, an exotic adventure is OK," he told the paper. "These are also conversations that we are having more and more as a family. I still have one year of contract, so I have to think about what can happen.
"My eldest (child) is now eight years old and knows nothing but England. He also asks how long I will play at City. Once the time comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way.
"At my age, you have to be open to everything. You talk about unbelievable amounts in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.
"If I play there for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money."
De Bruyne signed for Manchester City in the summer of 2015 and has won 15 major trophies.
Meanwhile, City signed 20-year-old Brazilian winger Savinho last week and Guardiola confirmed that Kalvin Phillips, who was on loan to West Ham United, has been training with the first team.
"Savinho can play on the wing, and when he is one-v-one, he is devastating," the Spaniard added.
"He is young and to bring in one or two players to keep things fresh, it is necessary but we cannot change six or seven. It is impossible and unsustainable.
"Many players want to come here but we didn’t get agreements from the clubs and when they ask a very high price we don’t do it."
Al Ittihad step up recruitment drive
While their pursuit of De Bruyne may well end in failure, Saudi Pro League giants Al Ittihad retain an interest in his City teammate Ederson, according to reports.
The goalkeeper, who has been at the Etihad Stadium since 2017, is thought to be open to a move to the SPL this summer.
Reports also suggest Aston Villa forward Moussa Diaby is likely to complete a move to Ittihad this week.
Diaby is expected to undergo his medical after agreeing a five-year deal in a transfer worth €60 million. The French winger only joined the Premier League club from Bayer Leverkusen 12 months ago.
