Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed speculation linking versatile defender Rico Lewis with a summer move to Nottingham Forest, insisting the England international is set to remain at the Etihad Stadium.
Forest reportedly tabled a £25 million bid for the 20-year-old, including £4.3m in add-ons, but the offer was rejected by City. The Midlands club had been keen to strengthen their squad with Lewis, who is capable of playing both as a full-back and in midfield.
Lewis has already earned five caps for England despite his young age and is regarded as one of City’s most promising academy graduates.
Speaking on the transfer rumours, Guardiola was clear about the club’s stance while leaving a small note of caution.
“I think he’s going to stay, I think. He told me that,” Guardiola said, as quoted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. “Today, I think he’s going to stay, but I don’t know what’s going to happen…”
The comments effectively shut the door on Forest’s pursuit, with Guardiola keen to retain Lewis as part of his squad for the upcoming season.
