Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola rules out signing Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio

Manchester City have ruled out signing Italy international midfielder Claudio Marchisio.

The defending Premier League champions, who host Huddersfield Town at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon (13:30), could look to sign cover for fellow midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who has been ruled out of action for three months due to a knee injury.

But City manager Pep Guardiola revealed the club would not look to snap up 32-year-old free agent Marchisio, following his release from Juventus on Friday.

Marchisio, who has 55 international caps for the Azzurri, made 20 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A champions last season.

Overall, the central midfielder scored 37 goals in 389 games in all competitions during his remarkable 25-year association with the Italian giants.

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio in pre-season action against Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.

The Juve legend won seven league titles, four Coppa Italias, three Supercoppa Italianas and the Serie B title during his time in Turin.

With Belgian star De Bruyne set for a spell on the sidelines through injury, Citizens boss Guardiola was asked whether he could look to sign Marchisio. He replied (via Goal), “No. First a big comment for his career – he made an amazing career at Juventus and with the national team.

“In December, we are going to see what happens in the [next] transfer window but now the squad is the squad.”