Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit out at a report claiming that the Spaniard is trying to persuade Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez to move to the Etihad Stadium.
A piece in Chilean publication El Mercurio stated that Guardiola made a personal phone call to Sanchez after the attacker's hat-trick against West Ham United on Saturday.
The report claimed that Guardiola had contacted the Chilean on at least two occasions, using the same tactics that helped him secure the signature of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
When asked about the rumours during Monday's press conference, Guardiola attempted to end the speculation by describing the story as "absolutely false".
The ex-Barca boss went on to say that the journalist who wrote the article "is a liar", but added that Sanchez "would fit into any team in the world".
The 27-year-old, who has scored 11 goals this season, has been in negotiations with Arsenal regarding a new contract for some time, but terms are yet to be agreed.
Sanchez's current deal at the Emirates expires in 2018.
Danielle Joynson
