Pep Guardiola says only ‘small clubs’ stop their players from signing for rival clubs (PA)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists he would never stop a player from joining an opponent and believes only ‘small clubs’ have that mentality.

City have not hesitated to sell to Premier League rivals in recent years. Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko both moved to Arsenal, while Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer moved to Chelsea.

Chelsea signed Mateo Kovacic from City for £25 million this summer.

In the past, some clubs have shown reluctance to do business due to their Premier League rivalry, but Guardiola believes transfers should continue as long as all parties are happy.

Asked if he has ever stopped a player from moving to a rival club, Guardiola replied: “Never, never.”

Cole Palmer moved from Manchester City to Chelsea for £42.5 million (Getty)

“From my point of view, I give the club my opinion and they will decide whether the transfer is suitable for both parties and for the player.” Why? I guess that means you’re a small club.

“Big clubs are not preferred.” [care]They make decisions for the benefit of all three parties: players and both clubs and sometimes agents.

“So actually it’s not a problem. Do you want to go to Chelsea, United or Liverpool, whatever, what’s the problem?” They like being there, the club is happy with the transfer. “The other club is happy with the amount of money they spend, that’s fine.”

Guardiola also insists Palmer would have been given a chance at City this season after Riyad Mahrez decided to join the Saudi Pro League.

“Cole came and accepted some trials and after a year or two he said, ‘No, I don’t want to play here, I won’t play.’ But I said, “Riyadh.” [Mahrez] ‘Go away, you’ll get a chance here,’ and he said, ‘No, I’m not going to play here, I want to go,’ so I said, ‘Okay, go away,'” Guardiola said.

“He got what he wanted.” It’s good for him. He is a young player, a great talent, otherwise he would not be here. “He is a nice boy and he is doing very well.”