'We should NOT go to the transfer window' - Pep Guardiola provides cryptic answer when quizzed on Man City deals for Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis

Manchester City have been struggling this season and look set to miss out on the Premier League title for the first time in five years, as Guardiola's side sit sixth in the table, 12 points off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. As such, the reigning champions are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush, Lens' Abdukodir Khusanov and Palmeiras' Vitor Reis this month.

Guardiola is keen on improving his squad at City for the second part of the season. However, the Catalan tactician has remained cryptic about the club's transfer plans this month.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Guardiola said: "All month you're going to ask the same about all we are linked with in the media, so I'm not going to talk. You can insist, I'm not going to answer because I don't know the situation. We know we should not go to the transfer window, I don't like much. The situation that's happened this season with many, many, many injuries, we have to try to do it because the situation is what it is. But what happens, I'm not going to talk because I don't know.

"Of course I have conversations with the club but the process and what's happening, I don't know what's going to happen because it's so difficult. And what is going to happen is going to happen, otherwise I cannot say anything else."

When grilled about the interest in Marmoush, the Catalan manager added: "Listen, was I not clear in my answer? Come on. I was clear in my answer - I'm not going to talk. He's a player from another club, I'm not saying an answer.

"You can say in every single press conference to talk about the transfer window until the end, I'm not going to answer one question. Don't go in that way."

City have won two games on the bounce and will look for a third straight victory when they take on Salford City in the FA Cup round three on Saturday.