Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has taken a dig at Pep Guardiola when talking about Vitor Reis' imminent exit to Manchester City.

The two clubs finally came to an agreement worth £29million after Palmeiras tried to demand on a high fee given the promise surrounding the youngster. They also wanted to keep him until after the Club World Cup in June but City are keen to bolster their defensive options this month.

Injuries have played a key part in City's form this season and with John Stones and Kyle Walker both over 30 years of age, investing in youth was necessary. Following the sales of academy products Endrick and Willian Estevao to Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively, Reis was earmarked as the next of an elite crop - emerging as one of the most promising defenders in South America.

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Addressing Reis’ departure, Ferreira said: “When people from the other side of the Atlantic call you to enquire about Vitor Reis... I think Guardiola now knows Palmeiras. You remember that in the first World Cup Guardiola didn't know Palmeiras very well but I think he does now.

“We sold Vitor because I spoke too much to the wrong people and that’s it. When you talk to directors of other clubs about your squad, people believe a lot of what you say. But he deserves it, he’s a kid with the whole package. That’s what makes players valued. It was with Vitor Reis, Danilo, Estevao, [Luis] Guilherme, Endrick.”

Back in 2022, Guardiola mentioned that River Plate had won the Copa Libertadores, but it was in fact Palmeiras who lifted the trophy. In response to Guardiola, Ferreira said: “I want to say I admire him a lot, I believe he doesn’t have time to watch other games. I would like to invite him to come and watch a game to get to know Palmeiras.

"He has a player there [Gabriel Jesus] who City bought from Palmeiras and to tell him to stay alert because we have more players with big quality."

The 19-year-old is expected to travel to England in the next coming days to undergo a medical.