Manchester City deny Douglas Costa's claim that Pep Guardiola cannot sign Bayern Munich players

City's new head coach has already poached Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund, Bayern's long-standing Bundesliga rivals

Guardiola brought Costa to Bayern Munich last summer (Getty)

Manchester City have denied claims made by Douglas Costa, the Bayern Munich winger, that their incoming head coach Pep Guardiola cannot sign players from the Bundesliga club.

Costa told Globo Esporte, the Brazilian television network, that a clause in Guardiola’s City contract prevented him from bringing any players from the Allianz Arena to the Etihad Stadium.

"Would I be open to City if Pep called? It's something he has in his contract, a clause that says he cannot sign any players from Bayern," he said.

"I am in a situation where I could stay at Bayern for a long time. The club's philosophy is to keep players at Bayern for a long time. I am happy at the prospect of enjoying a long career here.

"I have made a big step forward since leaving Shakhtar for Bayern. I did not expect to become so important right away. This has been the best year of my career."

However, the club have since denied Costa's claim and insisted that there are no contractual restrictions on signings this summer, neither regarding Bayern players or otherwise.

Guardiola has already persuaded Ilkay Gundogan to become the first signing of his reign at City, with the Germany international arriving for around £20m from Borussia Dortmund, Bayern’s rivals.

According to widespread reports on Wednesday, the former Barcelona head coach has also identified Gundogan’s team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a transfer target.

It is understood that negotiations between Dortmund and City have taken place and, although the Premier League club’s initial offer was rebuffed, they remain hopeful of snaring the 26-year-old Gabonese striker.

Costa, who impressed in his first season at Bayern, went on to back Guardiola to be a success at City, describing the two-time Champions League winner as ‘magic’.

"Pep has the magic touch. He breathes football,” he said. “He still played himself quite recently. Pep always keeps inventing new things. He is magic. I hope he can win the Champions League with City."