'I had some contacts in Germany' - Pep Guardiola explains how Man City landed £59m Omar Marmoush following first hat-trick since transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt

The Egypt international forward became another big-money addition for the reigning Premier League champions during the winter window. Having been monitored by several teams in England, the 26-year-old ended up at the Etihad Stadium.

Marmoush had become a man in demand courtesy of the 37 goals that he registered across a productive 18-month spell at Eintracht Frankfurt. Former Bayern Munich boss Guardiola sounded out some professional acquaintances once it became clear that City were in need of further firepower.

He has said of discussions with director of football Txiki Begiristain that resulted in Marmoush being brought to Manchester: "When Txiki came to me I said, because of the season we had, the more players you bring the better. I called some contacts in Germany because I have friends there. I asked a few things and there was a high opinion in many things; behaviour, in training sessions, goals. He's young and comes here to make his career. That is why the club decides. They always have the last word."

Marmoush has looked lively through his five appearances for City to date. His goal account for the Blues was opened in style when netting a hat-trick in an impressive 4-0 drubbing of Newcastle – with the Egyptian hoping that will be the first of many Premier League match balls that he adds to his collection.