German Sky Sports reporter Plettenberg reported that Guardiola admires Cologne forward Malik El Mara very much.

Plettenberg said: "Guardiola appreciates Mara very much, which is why Manchester City is scouting him on the spot."

"Scouts have been on site in recent weeks, and Bayern, Dortmund and many other clubs are also paying attention to him. The 20-year-old top talent has a contract until 2030 with no release clause and has not yet negotiated with other clubs. Mara is fully focused on Cologne."