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Guardiola addresses De Bruyne's Man City future after fresh links

Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City have a huge challenge on their hands to replace Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian playmaker will be out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League and MLS.

De Bruyne joined City in the summer of 2015 and has since played a key role in a trophy-laden era for the club.

Frequently touted as one of the greatest midfielders to have ever graced the Premier League, the 33-year-old has scored 104 goals while registering 171 assists in 394 appearances.

The Belgium international has won six League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups as well as the Champions League and Club World Cup during that spell.

Still, De Bruyne has missed most of this season through injury and there has so far been no update on a potential new contract at City.

Kevin De Bruyne is out of contract at Man City this summer

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Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday, Guardiola said of De Bruyne’s future: "I would like to have him 23 years old and sign a contract for the next 10 years. But we will see.

"There are players [for who] the impact on the legacy of this club will be eternal, will be forever. Of course it is not easy, but as a club, we have to find in the moment its going to happen, we have to find the best way."

City will be without Phil Foden and Nathan Ake for the Palace game, while both De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji are due to be assessed. John Stones, Rodri, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic are long-term absentees.

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