Pep Guardiola opens up on Kevin De Bruyne transfer hope after Liverpool links

The mere suggestion of Liverpool making a move for Kevin De Bruyne has sparked a response from . The boss expressed his desire for 'the best' for the midfielder and his family, even if it means joining a domestic rival.

De Bruyne has been a stalwart for Man City over the past decade, racking up over 400 appearances, netting 108 goals and providing 177 assists. He's clinched two of his six titles in nail-biting finishes against . Now, as he approaches his 34th birthday, it's been announced that he'll be departing the Etihad Stadium.

The understands that the Reds have not made any offer for their long-standing rival, with their recruitment team focusing on other targets to bolster Arne Slot's squad. The Belgian international hasn't ruled out the possibility of continuing his career at another top-flight English club, fuelling such transfer rumours.

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When asked about the prospect of De Bruyne moving to a rival club, Guardiola responded: "I don't know, I want the best for Kevin, for his family - the best,".

De Bruyne has been loosely linked with Liverpool throughout his career, dating back to footage of him as an 11 year old in Genk's youth system where he revealed his childhood support for the Anfield side in the early 2000s.

is also reportedly eyeing De Bruyne, drawn to his experience, but recent speculation has centred on a potential move to Napoli, with the Serie A leaders now emerging as favourites.

Barring that, alternative options seem to include the Chicago Fire in the MLS or the Saudi Pro League.

Addressing summer transfer activity last week, Slot remarked: "If I feel there's no way for us to improve, then we would have had a problem because I know - normally I always say 99.9% but now I know 100% - for sure that City and will improve.

"That improvement will also come by (rubs fingers to show money) probably bringing new players in because that's what they did for so many years in a row, so we would be surprised if they don't do it now.

"But maybe we set the example that all of a sudden teams now feel like 'ah, maybe it's better not to buy someone because then you can win the league'. I don't think that's going to happen, but you never know!".

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"They will improve, so we have to improve as well, and there is room for improvement for us. But we've been really consistent throughout the whole season, and yes, you can improve, but consistency is the key to winning a title."

Slot believes that City and Arsenal will inevitably strengthen their squads through new signings, given their historical spending patterns. However, he also highlighted the importance of consistency, which his team has demonstrated throughout the season.

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