Pep Guardiola wants to make just one signing over the next two transfer windows.

The Manchester City manager has told the club’s hierarchy he will be happy to limit his business in January and at the end of the season – prioritising the recruitment of a holding midfielder.

City have spent the last six months compiling a dossier of potential targets, with Frenkie de Jong, Ruben Neves and Tanguy Ndombele all watched closely.

Guardiola would ideally want any January signing to be available for the knockout stages of the Champions League – but that will not stop him from moving for the right target even if they are cup-tied.

City tried to sign Fred last January, despite the Brazilian being ineligible for Europe, but ultimately refused to meet his £52m buyout clause at Shakhtar. They then turned their attentions to Jorginho, being prepared to wait until the summer for the Napoli midfielder.

Guardiola missed out on the Italian, who opted for a move to Chelsea over the Premier League champions, which is why City have been forced to draw up a new list of targets.

Wolves’ Neves (above) has impressed in his first season in the top flight, but the Premier League new-comers are expected to demand in excess of £60m for the Portuguese international.

Considering City were unwilling to go above £50m for either Fred or Jorginho, they could consider that price prohibitive.

But Guardiola’s willingness to limit his transfer plans to just one addition means he will have more funds to commit to targets and heightens the prospect of him breaking the club’s transfer record for the third time since taking over in 2016.

Ajax starlet De Jong (above) is on Barcelona’s wanted list, which could spark a bidding war for one of Europe’s most sought-after prospects.

Ndombele (below) was outstanding for Lyon in the French club’s 2-1 win against City in September, with Guardiola particularly impressed with his dominant display in midfield.

City will get another close look at him when they Lyon again before the end of the month.

The trip to France would be an opportunity for director of football Txiki Begiristain to hold talks over the 21-year-old, who could be available for around £40m.

He would be ineligible for the Champions League, but it’s understood Guardiola is determined to ease the pressure on Fernandinho.

Should Ndombele arrive in January, City would be able to rest Fernandinho in domestic matches to ensure he’s in peak condition for the latter stages of Europe.

Guardiola has not ruled out making further signings – but a central midfielder is considered an absolute necessity over the next two windows.

Ajax centre back Mattijs de Ligt is another player on their radar – but any move for the 19-year-old could depend on Vincent Kompany’s long-term position at the club.

Guardiola will also consider his back-up options for Ederson in goal, following Claudio Bravo’s Achilles injury.