Goal

Diaz, 19, scored both goals in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup win over Fulham on Thursday

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says the club will do everything they can to try and convince wonderkid Brahim Diaz to stay at the club.

Guardiola was speaking after his side’s 2-0 victory over Fulham in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night, where Brahim scored both goals.

The 19-year-old is in the last year of his contract with City and there have been suggestions that he may look to leave the club in search of more first team opportunities.

Brahim’s two starts this season have both come in the Carabao Cup, with the former Malaga youngster not featuring in any of City’s Premier League or Champions League matchday squads so far this term.

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Guardiola, though, is fully aware of the Spaniard’s talent and says the club will do everything in their power to try and keep him past this season.

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“Playing in the top teams is not easy for young players, but he (Brahim) showed his qualities again. His training is always incredible and he’s really appreciated by all of us,” Guardiola said.

“He played well against Oxford [United] in the previous round. Everyone here is ready to play in the first team, otherwise he wouldn’t be here.

“He knows we want him, but after that it’s down to his agent and himself. We will do absolutely everything to keep him with us – afterwards he decides. We want him, but at the end it doesn’t depend on us.”

His exit would be another blow for City, who lost Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund in similar fashion last year, with the 18-year-old now a senior England international.

Aside from Brahim, Guardiola was also full of praise for young goalkeeper Aro Muric and England U21 midfielder Phil Foden after their performances against the Cottagers.

“Everybody was good,” he said. “Brahim made two goals, Aro [Muric] making a clean sheet – we didn’t concede too many chances, and he gave us good security. Every time Phil Foden plays a good level.

“It was another good performance. They played with a lot of discipline with and without the ball. We attacked both inside and outside. We could’ve scored more goals but it’s OK.”