Explained: Why Man City need to axe FIVE players before summer transfer window closes - with Pep Guardiola facing a race against time

According to reports by The Mirror, City could be required to axe up to five players ahead of the new season. While Premier League regulations regarding homegrown players and U21s suggest only one player must be sold, UEFA have different regulations which could require Pep Guardiola's side to sell five first-team players ahead of the closure of the transfer window on September 1.

Several City stars have already been linked with moves away this summer and the club will hope to finalise transfers in the final three weeks of the window. Jack Grealish, James McAtee, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega have all been told that they can leave the club.

Grealish has been linked with Everton, while McAtee has attracted interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga in a move which may cost nearly £40 million, giving shades of another former academy graduate to exit in Cole Palmer. Ortega may also move to Germany, while Phillips may find his wages are an obstacle to a return to Leeds United. Loan moves may also be sanctioned for Claudio Echeverri, Vitor Reis and Sverre Nypan.

City currently have a first-team squad comprising of 32 players, far more than Guardiola usually likes to work with. The Catalan has often tried to give most squad members equal opportunity during his time in Manchester and reportedly fears having a bloated squad due to possible dressing room frustrations, continues The Mirror's report.

The Cityzens will aim to continue work on sales ahead of their Premier League opener against Wolves on August 16. With three weeks left in the window, Guardiola will hope that he has enough time to finalise his squad with the required exits ahead of deadline day.