Gary Neville reveals Man City transfer theory as he suggests Premier League champions could be 'relegated or deducted 20 points' if found guilty at 115 FFP charges hearing

Gary Neville has questioned whether Man City's quiet transfer window is linked to the impending hearing over their 115 charges. The Premier League champions have had a muted summer, with Brazilian winger Savinho the only arrival, and Neville has questioned whether the club are bracing themselves for a guilty verdict.

City have denied all charges against them after being accused of breaching the Premier League's financial rules. They will present their case in front of an independent commission next month in a hearing that is set to last 10 weeks - with a verdict not expected until next spring at the earliest due to the amount of information the commission will need to consider.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, via Sky Bet, former Manchester United defender Neville said: "It was announced that Manchester City's hearing will start in four weeks. I wonder if they're not signing anybody on purpose, thinking they might get the book thrown at them.

"If they think they're going to get found guilty, and something ridiculous happens – they get relegated or deducted 20 points – they might think what is the point of signing players now. They got £82 million for [Julian] Alvarez, and they might just see what happens."

The club are also getting ready to defend their Premier League title again. Pep Guardiola's side take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their season opener on Sunday.