Gabriel Jesus says now is ‘not the time’ to consider Man City future amid Erling Haaland rumours

The Brazilian has seven league goals this season but more than half came at the weekend in a four-goal haul

(Getty Images)

Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus said it is not the right time to discuss his future at the club amid speculation that the Brazil international could leave at the end of the season.

British media have reported City are favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, which would further limit playing time for Jesus, whose contract expires in June 2023.

Asked if he would stay at City and fight for his place if another forward arrived, Jesus said, “It’s not the time to think about this. You expect me to say this, but it’s true.

“Now is the best moment of the season. I want to enjoy, to keep focused on my team, with my team mates, to fight for the Premier League.”

Jesus scored four goals in City’s 5-1 thrashing of Watford at the weekend and he said his focus was helping his side clinch the Premier League title.

“I won it with my team mates three times and I know how that feels and I want to have that feeling again,” he added. “And then, of course, we also have the tough game on Tuesday against Real Madrid (in the Champions League) and that is my focus.”

City hold a one-point lead over Liverpool with five matches left after the Reds dispatched of Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday evening.

Jesus has regularly featured on the right of City’s attack in recent seasons under Pep Guardiola, rather than at centre-forward.

After his four goals against the Hornets, he played down comparisons between himself and former City striker Sergio Aguero.

Additional reporting by Reuters