Real Madrid target Manchester City wonderkid Brahim Diaz as Pep Guardiola admits struggle in retaining 18-year-old Spaniard

  • Pep Guardiola has admitted Manchester City might struggle to keep Brahim Diaz
  • Teenager Diaz is rated highly by Guardiola, who tried to sign him for Barcelona
  • But it looks like Diaz could be about to get away from the City boss once again
  • He said: 'Maybe we can't control it. We spoke with him many times to stay here'

Real Madrid are set to launch a bid to sign Manchester City wonderkid Brahim Diaz.

Diaz went on tour alongside fellow youngster Phil Foden in July and Pep Guardiola wants to further integrate the Spaniard into his first team.

But City might have a job on their hands to keep the playmaker, who has been training with the Under 23s this week, should Real solidify their interest.

Real Madrid are preparing to make a transfer offer for Manchester City teenager Brahim Diaz

Real Madrid are preparing to make a transfer offer for Manchester City teenager Brahim Diaz

Diaz, who has made one senior appearance for City, played in the UEFA Youth League this week

Diaz, who has made one senior appearance for City, played in the UEFA Youth League this week

Pep Guardiola likes Diaz but has admitted it might be hard to keep him at the Etihad Stadium

Pep Guardiola likes Diaz but has admitted it might be hard to keep him at the Etihad Stadium

'We want him but today the market is the market,' Guardiola said on Friday ahead of this weekend's trip to Watford.


'Maybe we can't control it. We spoke with him many times to stay here.

'City gave him the opportunity at the high level. He is happy here. He has to know that at the top level it's not easy to play.'

Jadon Sancho left City for Dortmund last month for £8million, citing he could not see a clear pathway into Guardiola's team.

Sancho rejected a contract with £30,000 a week but looks set to find opportunities limited in the Bundesliga.

'It depends on the desire of the player,' Guardiola added. 'We make the effort to keep them with the salary. We did it with Jadon, we'll do it with Phil [Foden] and Brahim. We did it with Tosin [Adarabioyo].

'[At] many clubs here the manager controls the things, but I'm not involved in that. Txiki (Begiristain) and Ferran (Soriano) take the decisions.'

Guardiola said: 'Maybe we can't control it. We spoke with him many times to stay here'

Guardiola said: 'Maybe we can't control it. We spoke with him many times to stay here'

He was speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Watford, where his City side won 5-0 back in May

He was speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Watford, where his City side won 5-0 back in May