Pep Guardiola spotted deep in conversation with Sandro Tonali

Pep Guardiola has explained his conversation with Newcastle star Sandro Tonali after Manchester City cruised through to next month's Carabao Cup final.

The Man City boss was seen speaking to Tonali in the aftermath of Man City's 5-1 aggregate victory, after winning the second leg 3-1 at the Etihad on Wednesday.

Tonali was seen placing his arm around the Man City boss as the midfielder started to walk towards Newcastle's travelling fans to thank them for their support.

Guardiola's conversation with Tonali came with intrigue, following a report on deadline day that the Italian midfielder's agent had offered him to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Giuseppe Riso, the agent most associated with Tonali, denied there had been contact with the Gunners.

‘Newcastle were never going to let Tonali leave in January. There’s absolutely nothing to it,' Riso said.

He added: ‘We will see around March about Sandro’s valuation, but only if Newcastle decide to open doors.'

Man City would be among a small pool of clubs who could potentially afford the 26-year-old Italian, who joined Newcastle for £52million from AC Milan in 2023.

Guardiola claimed his conversation with Tonali post-match had been about a close friend the pair share, the Italian's father, as well as his happiness at Newcastle.

'What did I say [to Sandro Tonali]?' Guardiola said post-match.

'My Italian is perfect, so that's why I can communicate with him. And we have an incredible friend in common from Brescia, Edoardo Piovani.

'And every time we are connected, I know his father some time ago and all the time we met we talked about his experience in Milan, the supporters, and how happy he is in Newcastle.

'He's a really, really top player, top, top, top player!'

Guardiola has become known for speaking to players from opposing teams after matches.

Tonali was not the only player Guardiola addressed following the Carabao Cup tie, with the Man City boss also spotted in conversation with Newcastle defender Dan Burn.