Pep Guardiola hopes Manchester City can keep James McAtee at the club long-term.

The City academy graduate has been linked with the likes of Fulham and Newcastle in recent weeks after a lack of game time under Guardiola.

Still, the 22-year-old scored City’s final goal in Sunday’s 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich to continue a recent run of first-team minutes.

City have let a number of young players leave in pursuit of more regular football elsewhere, most notably Cole Palmer who is now flourishing at Chelsea.

However, Guardiola has expressed his desire to keep McAtee at the club.

Speaking after Sunday’s win at Portman Road, Guardiola said: "He is such a good footballer and a lovely guy. Quite similar qualities as Phil [Foden].

“It is not easy when you don’t get many minutes for your confidence. Hopefully we can keep James for many years."

The big victory over the Tractor Boys made it six games unbeaten for the Premier League champions, who are showing signs of turning things around after a dreadful season by their own lofty standards.

While Guardiola has previously been keen to stress City had not yet restored former glories, he is hopeful the win at Ipswich is the start of something.

"We are really pleased, we are back to doing things that define this team for the last 10 years,” he added.

“Really pleased for the three points and to climb into qualification for the Champions League for next season, that will be so tough.

"Much better. Maybe not our best but closer with the consistency we have in our game. Most of them didn't happen in the previous games that we won.

"With the way we went without the ball, you cannot play in the short spaces. Everyone with the ball was clever, quicker, faster. Everyone is related. You cannot be quick, wise and good if you are not connected defensively.

"Ipswich beat Chelsea here, they won Spurs away. They are a good team and Liam [Delap] is a fantastic striker. The players saw what we are and that is the best thing."

City are back in action on Wednesday night with a crunch Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain.