Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was not able to give an update on the future of Ferran Torres, but admitted that Barcelona's public pursuit of the winger is frustrating but understandable.
Torres has been heavily linked with a move back to La Liga in the last month after featuring just four times in the Premier League this season because of a combination of competition for places and a foot injury.
Guardiola was asked about the 21-year-old's future ahead of Man City's trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday, as well as the Blaugrana's open approach to recruitment.
"It’s not my business, you have to go to Txiki [Begiristain] or the agent of Ferran Torres, or Barcelona, I’m not the guy to talk about it. In six years I don't talk about these issues," Guardiola said in his press conference (via the Manchester Evening News).
"We call some players from other clubs when we are interested, so I completely understand. I would prefer not but it is what it is. We cannot control that and it depends on many, many things."
90min understands that Barcelona have made approaches for Torres and teammate Raheem Sterling, though Man City are yet to decide whether they can afford to let either leave in the January transfer window.
The Premier League champions will not sanction the sale of both stars, and would look to find an immediate replacement should either of them leave. Real Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal is of long term interest to City and could be approached if Sterling or Torres departs this winter.
A stumbling block in any potential deal for the duo is that Barcelona would only be able to afford a loan in January due to their ongoing financial struggles, a condition City could be reluctant to agree to.
Source : 90min