Man City decide future of loan star who is wanted for Real Madrid transfer

Pep Guardiola has made his decision regarding the future of on-loan full-back Yan Couto – who made his Brazil debut and is on the radar of Real Madrid.

Manchester City will welcome Brazil defender Yan Couto into the first-team squad next season - and give him a new deal as well.

City’s rising South American star is currently on loan with Spanish league leaders Girona - and his superb displays in La Liga are attracting interest from Real Madrid.

But the Premier League champions, whose City Sports Group own Girona, have already decided that the right-back’s future lies back at the Etihad.

They have no intention of selling Couto, 21, who has just over a year to run on his existing contract, to any rivals - let alone the Spanish giants. Instead, having received the green light from boss Pep Guardiola that he wants him in his squad, City will recall him in the summer - and negotiate an improved, long-term deal.

The club’s regular right-back is Kyle Walker. At 33, the England international is clearly entering the twilight of his glittering career. Walker cost £45million from Tottenham seven years ago but, rather than spend big money to replace him, the Treble winners believe in Couto they already possess natural successor with world class potential.