Manchester City will not panic over Champions League exit and will stick to Pep Guardiola’s summer transfer plans

Guardiola prioritises a defensive midfielder and a wide attacker who can play through the centre

Pep Guardiola oversaw a disappointing defeat by Liverpool (Getty)

Manchester City will not be panicked by their Champions League elimination to Liverpool or their disappointing last week, and will persevere with summer transfer plans drawn up in January, with Pep Guardiola prioritising a defensive midfielder and a wide attacker who can also play through the centre.

City may also move for another centre-half, but that is likely to depend on circumstances, as the manager feels the squad just needs some minor improvements.

There is confidence a largely young group will continue to grow together, despite losing three successive games just when their previously sensational season seemed to be reaching its peak. Bolstering this belief is a line that has become a mantra at the club, that no major decisions should be made in the emotional aftermath of a big game.

Guardiola’s thinking on the defensive midfielder has gradually evolved, and the Catalan would now prefer a player that is more of a passer than a destroyer. It is also understood that Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl could now be a likelier purchase than Fred of Shakhtar Donetsk.

Meanwhile, there is confidence that Sergio Aguero will stay at the club beyond the summer. The 29-year-old still has two more years to run on his current contract.