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Report: Manchester City accept defeat in pursuit of Tottenham pair; Southampton star earmarked as alternative

Tottenham's Danny Rose celebrates scoring their second goal with Kyle Walker (REUTERS)
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Manchester City had wanted Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose, but have now switched their attention to Southampton.

Manchester City manager Pep GuardiolaManchester City manager Pep Guardiola

A report in The Sun has suggested that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has accepted defeat in his pursuit of Tottenham pair Kyle Walker and Danny Rose, and has earmarked an alternative option instead.

According to The Sun, the City boss wanted to bring the Spurs full-backs to the Etihad as he looks to strengthen his options this summer, but is now not expecting either to leave Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

The Sun reports that Guardiola has now got Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand on his radar as he has accepted that Tottenham will not be willing to part company with two of their most important players.

However, despite their switching their attention from their primary targets, City will still have to pay a significant fee for the Saints star as The Sun reports that the south coast club could want as much as £30 million for the former Chelsea man.

The fact that the Tottenham pair are unlikely to be leaving this summer will not only be great news given their importance to the team, but it also says something about the stature that Spurs now have.

Tottenham's Danny Rose celebrates scoring their second goal with Kyle WalkerTottenham’s Danny Rose celebrates scoring their second goal with Kyle Walker

Previously, it may have been difficult for one of their key men to reject City given that they seem to have the funds to dominate the Premier League and make a major impression on the continental stage.

However, players are now looking at what Spurs are doing and realising that the project there can also be incredibly exciting and could lead to great things.