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Pep Guardiola claims Manchester City will not be held to ransom by paying £100million to sign Ruben Neves .

Wolves ’ Neves is understood to feature on the Blues' list of targets as they seek somebody who can take some of the burden off 30-something stalwart Fernandinho in the middle of the park.

Guardiola has seen the Portuguese star valued at £100million but won’t go that high, even though signing a new midfielder is their top transfer priority.

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“A month ago, I started reading ‘Ruben Neves, £100million,’” said the champions' boss, who faces Neves and Wolves at the Etihad on Monday night. “That’s not going to happen. We’re not going to pay £100million for a holding midfielder.

(Image: PA Wire)

“Specifically Fernandinho’s role, it’s so difficult to find. He knows the Premier League, after three years together here, he knows everything and that’s so important.

“But, of course, for the next season, it’s an important target to find. He’ll be 34 [in May] and he cannot play every few days.”

Guardiola rejects the accusation City over-spend on transfers and says several clubs have splashed out more than their record fee — the £60million paid to Leicester last summer for winger Riyad Mahrez.

“Our most expensive one was Riyhad, and he is far away from what the top teams pay,” he said.

(Image: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

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“Our wage bill for the players is eighth or ninth or tenth in Europe, so there are eight or nine clubs where the wages are higher than what Manchester City pay. We try to be stable in everything.

“When we spent a lot last season, it was because the team was old. It was 30-31 years old, and that’s why we did it. But we cannot do it every season.

“We have a limit and cannot spend more so that’s why we need to be careful with the players and try next season to see what we can do to improve.”