Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed belief that Bruno Fernandes was linked with them in January to drive up his price.

Guardiola said former Sporting CP captain Fernandes, who has scored three goals in his last four games and has yet to be on the losing side with United, was never on his radar.

And he accused the agent of Fernandes, Miguel Pinho, of using City to drive up interest in the 25-year-old and help push through his move to United.

“I think he's an exceptional player, that's why United bought him," said Guardiola.

“I said many times it looks like we're linked with a thousand million players every month.

“So I don't know if the agent wants to create something to do that.

“But I don't think the club was in talks with his agent about this player, but they link this guy and a thousand million more [with us]."