Manuel Pellegrini wants two new signings for Manchester City

Manuel Pellegrini: Looking to add two new players to his Manchester City squad.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has revealed he is hoping to add two more players to his squad before the transfer window closes on September 1.

City have been linked with a move for Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in recent weeks with club captain Vincent Kompany backing his compatriot to be a terrific addition if signed from Wolfsburg.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports Spanish football analyst Guillem Balague tweeted on Friday morning that City are set to rival Manchester United for Barcelona forward Pedro.

He tweeted: “City offer is 30m plus 2, superior to United's so far. So very much in the equation with United. Chelsea interested but third favourite.”

Pellegrini was reluctant to be drawn on those specific players in his Friday press conference but did admit he hopes to sign two players this month.

Manuel Pellegrini confirms he would like to add two new players to his Manchester City squad before the transfer window closes. Manuel Pellegrini confirms he would like to add two new players to his Manchester City squad before the transfer window closes.

“I think the stronger your squad, the more possibilities you have (to win the title),” he said. “We have a good squad at the moment but if we can improve it in a couple of positions, it will be better.

“It doesn’t mean you are going to win because you have one or two players more but I think it is important to have a strong squad because all the other teams also have very strong squads.”

City face champions Chelsea on Sunday and Pellegrini admitted a win, which would take City five points clear of Jose Mourinho's side, would be a big boost for his team.

“We are not thinking about the title in the second game,” he said. “We are thinking about winning our points here at home, especially against the champions.

“They are a team that has a great chance to win the title also like Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool or Tottenham so to try to win the three points is very important for our team.”

Pellegrini confirmed midfielders Fabian Delph and Fernando have been ruled out of Sunday's game while Sergio Aguero trained all week with the squad but is "maybe not 100 per cent" fit.

Defender Gael Clichy resumed training on Thursday and his fitness will be assessed on Saturday.

You can watch Manchester City take on Chelsea live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Sunday, with coverage from 3.30pm.