Pep Guardiola managed to trump Real Madrid to the signing of Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus, it has been revealed.

Gabriel signed for City in January 2017 from Palmeiras - but not before Real had an offer accepted by his then Brazilian club.

Marca says the Brazilian was all set to move to Real, only for Guardiola to personally intervene.

The City manager told Gabriel: "You are 19 years old and in Madrid you will not have time to play with the BBC (Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo).

"Come with me to City, I can guarantee you opportunities and you will grow up here."