Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Dele Alli is ‘fantastic’ but insists he will NOT move for Tottenham star

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed Dele Alli as 'one of the most fantastic players I have ever seen in my life' - but has ruled out a move for the Tottenham star.

Barcelona legend Xavi, who played under Guardiola at the Nou Camp, suggested earlier this week that his old boss wanted to sign Alli for City.

That prompted an angry response from Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who described Xavi as an 'enemy' from their days as opponents in Spanish football.

But Guardiola has moved to assure Pochettino he is not targeting Alli, despite his huge admiration for the 21-year-old.

Guardiola told Sky Sports: "Mauricio Pochettino has to stay calm. Dele Alli will be his player next season, I am pretty sure about that. We don't want him.

"He's someone who attacks the box and is one of the most fantastic players I have ever seen in my life, but Manchester City doesn't want Dele Alli."