Transfer Centre

Pep Guardiola ready to discuss "exceptional" Yaya Toure's future

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 20 December 2016

Pep Guardiola praises the influence of midfielder Yaya Toure since his return to the Manchester City fold, but refuses to confirm whether a new deal will be offered.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that he intends to hold discussions with Yaya Toure over his long-term future at the club, but has offered the midfielder little assurances.

The 33-year-old has been brought back into the Citizens' fold in recent weeks after initially being snubbed by Guardiola, featuring six times in all since mid-November.

Toure was expected to leave the Etihad Stadium in the New Year following his prolonged spell in the stands, with a potential move to the Far East touted, but the experienced Ivory Coast international may now be offered a lifeline by Guardiola.

"I know he finishes his contract [at the end of the season]. Now we have time to discuss that," he is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News. "What I am impressed by most is his huge quality.

"He looks like a boy. He played awesome. It is not in terms of when he has the ball but the personality. Yaya plays at that level because he is fit and focused. He is an exceptional player."

Toure, recently charged with drink driving, is likely to be named in City's Champions League squad for the knockout stages due to the season-ending injury picked up by Ilkay Gundogan last week.