Pep Guardiola wants to sign Messi's deputy in Barcelona

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has made a beeline for Barcelona forward, Ousmane Dembele to be a part of his squad at the Etihad Stadium. The Catalan manager has noted that he would like the Frenchman to be included in any deal that could be struck with the club for Raheem Sterling. 

England international, Raheem Sterling is alleged to be near the end of his Manchester City career. Sterling has not been a regular in Pep Starting XI this season and the player is angling for a move outside of the country. FC Barcelona is one of the clubs interested in signing the winger but Guardiola would like a player from Camp Nou in return. 

Ousmane Dembele was signed by Barcelona in 2017 to replace the departed Neymar. The ex-Borussia Dortmund forward was thought of to have a great future but has been hampered by incessant injuries. Dembele has played alongside Messi at Barcelona for the past 4 seasons. 

Pep Guardiola might be interested in the French international as a like-for-like replacement for Raheem Sterling if he does leave for Barcelona. Or as the replacement for Bernardo Silva, who is also rumoured to be considering a departure from the Etihad Stadium.