Transfer Centre

Pep Guardiola 'blocks Fabian Delph loan exit'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 24 August 2018

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reportedly has no intention of letting Fabian Delph leave the club on loan this month, despite interest from Besiktas.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly rejected a loan bid for Fabian Delph from Turkish outfit Besiktas.

Delph played a major role in City's Premier League title triumph last season, making 29 appearances across all competitions, the majority of which came as a makeshift left-back.

Benjamin Mendy's return to fitness is likely to see the England international resigned to more of a bit-part role this term, though, prompting Besiktas to make a move before the end of the European transfer window on August 31.

However, the Daily Star reports that Guardiola has no intention of letting Delph leave the club as he still considers him an important and versatile member of his squad.

Delph is thought to be open to the idea of regular first-team football, having earned a place in the England World Cup squad with his form last season, but is also willing to stay and fight for his place at the Etihad Stadium.

Besiktas, meanwhile, are looking to bolster their squad with loan deals before the end of the window and are on the verge of bringing in Loris Karius from Liverpool.