Guardiola pleads with Man City star not to repeat Cole Palmer transfer move

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits that he's desperate to avoid rising star James McAtee becoming their next Cole Palmer.

The winter transfer window closes on Monday, February 3 and highly-rated McAtee has been linked with various Premier League clubs, including Fulham and Newcastle. City want to hand the Salford-born midfielder a new long-term contract, having reportedly rejected bids worth up to £30million last summer.

McAtee, 22, has entered the final 18 months of his current deal and is facing a dilemma over his future. His lack of game-time under Guardiola has fuelled suggestions that he could follow in Chelsea star Palmer's footsteps and leave City for pastures new.

His stock was boosted further on Sunday when he scored his first Premier League goal for City in their ruthless 6-0 thrashing against Ipswich. Just minutes after the final whistle, Guardiola made it clear how desperate he is to keep McAtee at the club.

"He is such a good footballer and a lovely guy. Quite similar qualities as Phil [Foden]," the City boss remarked. "It is not easy when you don't get many minutes for your confidence. Hopefully we can keep James for many years."

McAtee might find minutes even harder to come by during the second half of the season, with Guardiola's men winning four of their last five games and scoring a total of 22 goals. Etihad chiefs are also expected to welcome a host of new signings over the next fortnight, including Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmousch.

City will pay a fixed €75m (£63m) plus a further €5m (£4m) in bonuses for the 25-year-old Egyptian forward. They're also understood to be closing in on Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis and Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, taking their potential winter outlay to a cool £190m.

Kyle Walker is expected to the only major departure before the window slams shut, with AC Milan keen on the City right-back. Milan chief Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed that talks are ongoing, telling DAZN: "Everyone knows that Walker is a great player, he did great things at City.

"When there is someone like him on the market there is a lot of interest. It doesn't go against our vision because he is strong, he is a leader, he has dominance in the dressing room. Now we are checking if it is possible."

Guardiola was tight-lipped when asked about the England international's future, saying in response: "If Ibrahimovic said that, Ibrahimovic said that."