Manchester City currently find themselves in hot water after being charged by the Premier League - which could scupper their transfer business this summer.
The Premier League champions have been charged with more than 100 financial breaches and now await their punishment. City have maintained their "surprise" at the decision, but have been hit with a notable backlash that could hamper their plans over the coming months.
The wealth of their Abu Dhabi owners has allowed them to build an impressive squad and be incredibly competitive in the market. They had their eyes on four major names this summer ahead of a possible rebuild, but the Times understands those players have concerns over moving to the Etihad.
City could be hit with sanctions that include a points deduction, which could leave them without Champions League football next season. Jude Bellingham is on their radar with the Borussia Dortmund man set to leave Germany amid mounting interest from around Europe.
Chelsea's Ben Chilwell, his compatriot Declan Rice and AC Milan forward Rafael Leao are also players City were looking to add in a major summer spree. The quartet may now think twice before moving to the blue side of Manchester with the club potentially taking a huge hit in some capacity.
Pep Guardiola, who is a huge draw for players, could also be considering his own future. The Catalan has won four league titles at City but claimed previously he would leave if the club's hierarchy lied to him about their compliance with financial rules.
He said last May: “Why did I defend the club and the people? It’s because I work with them. When they are accused of something I ask them: ‘Tell me about that.’ They explain and I believe them. I said to them: ‘If you lie to me, the day after I am not here. I will be out and I will not be your friend any more. I put my faith in you because I believe you 100% from day one and I defend the club because of that'."
City are currently trying to chase down Arsenal in the title race, but their inconsistent form is hampering their efforts to cut the gap. Their defeat at Tottenham on Sunday means Guardiola has seen his side win four of their seven games since they returned from the World Cup.
They remain five points behind the Gunners having played a game more, but are still in contention for FA Cup and Champions League glory. City will resume their European commitments this month when they face RB Leipzig in the last 16.
