Pep Guardiola broke Man City's golden transfer rule after two signings in 24 hours

Pep Guardiola made two January signings within 24 hours to bring Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov to the Etihad, going against Manchester City's existing transfer rules.

City bought Reis and Khusanov for £29 million and £33 million respectively, spending more money this month than any other Premier League club, in a desperate bid to save their season.

Rodri's injury has rocked City and Guardiola has struggled to replace the Ballon d'Or winner, while Kyle Walker is also expected to leave for AC Milan this month.

The captain's departure opens an opportunity for Reis and Khusanov to make an impact in the second half of the season, while Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush is expected to join them in Manchester.

The three arrivals go completely against the policy deployed since Guardiola's arrival in England. Just a month ago he cast doubt on mid-season acquisitions and claimed “we're not a big fan” of January transfers.

“Teams don't sell, maybe it has to be players who don't play,” Guardiola said. “They don’t want to sell and they cost so much. It depends on the market and we will see. It's simple: get the players back. Except Rodri. We have the team there and after this maybe we will have the team we were. We couldn't resolve it.

“We talked about doing something and if it's in the winter, it's if we really need it or if we can really find something. Not just four or five months. In the winter it's more difficult to do. We'll see.

“I don't know how many times we've entered the winter (market) – maybe just Aymeric Laporte seven years ago. We're not a big fan of that but the circumstances of this season have been special.

“We have to see if something is possible and if not we will wait until the summer – how we finish the season, how the players behave, knowing that our vacation is short. We will talk and see what is possible in the future market. “

But such is City's need for rejuvenation that both Reis and Khusanov have been brought in and the club are even said to have worked hard to ensure the former joins now, rather than this summer.

Palmeiras wanted to keep their 19-year-old prodigy to play in the Club World Cup in July, before joining their new team next season, before City sent an improved offer which was later accepted.

But such a drastic change in approach from City in the market shows how keen they are to get Reis and Khusanov up to speed quickly, with their top four prospects in doubt.