Guardiola: Journalist who published Sanchez rumour is a 'liar'

Pep Guardiola wasted no time burying rumours that he made a personal effort to bring Alexis Sanchez to the Etihad.

Speaking Monday during a pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League outing, the Spanish tactician was asked about a report - from Chilean outlet El Mercurio - that Guardiola called the Arsenal superstar personally in a bid to convince him to join Manchester City.

Not so, according to Pep, who didn't mince words while pouring cold water on the suggestion that he tapped up the red-hot Gunner - which, of course, would be a violation of FIFA regulations.

Manchester City could certainly use the help at the moment, as Sergio Aguero's four-match ban for his violent challenge on David Luiz during City's 3-1 loss to Chelsea was confirmed by the FA on Monday morning.

Related: Aguero gets 4-match ban for tackle on David Luiz