Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has stated that he would retain the services of only four Manchester City players if he were manager.

City managed to claim fourth spot in the Premier League table following a 1-1 draw against Swansea City on Sunday but a place in the top four married with a Champions League semi-final cannot mask the fact that the Citizens have endured an average domestic campaign.

Shearer has not been left too impressed by City's performances this season and has now stated that he would only retain the services of Sergio Aguero, Joe Hart, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne for next season if he were incoming manager Pep Guardiola.

Shearer stated in his column for The Sun: "Manchester City might have grabbed the final Champions League spot — but they really had nothing to celebrate. Alex Ferguson's message to his players after winning a title was to go out and make sure they won it again.

"It was a mentality ex-boss Roberto Mancini wanted to instil at City, while others seemed content to sit back and enjoy that first dramatic title triumph in 2011-12.

"Manuel Pellegrini delivered the title in his first season in charge, but it has been pretty limp in the league since then. He can point to a pair of League Cups — but this club's aims are a lot higher.

"He will point to a semi- final spot in the Champions League. But the performances against Real Madrid pretty much summed up the final year of Pellegrini's tenure — just not good enough.

"City and Pellegrini have got it very wrong over the last two seasons — and their recruitment of players gives Pep Guardiola plenty to do this summer.

"Who would you keep? Joe Hart, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne — that's about it for me."