Pep Guardiola says there is no reason Kevin De Bruyne cannot continue his productive relationship with Erling Haaland beyond this season.

The Norwegian penned a contract extension to 2034 on Friday, while De Bruyne’s current deal expires this summer.

The Belgian was in sparkling form during our 2-2 draw with Brentford on Tuesday evening as he battles back to full fitness after a series of injury setbacks this season.

But when asked if the partnership could continue after this summer, Guardiola replied: “Of course it can happen. I’m pretty sure that when Kevin arrived, if we offered him 10 years, maybe he wouldn’t have accepted.

“Of course it could happen.”

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Asked if he felt our No.17 was getting back to somewhere near his best, the boss added: “Absolutely. Every three or four days for Kevin and for all the players, it is so demanding the position that we are in and the problems that we have.

“After one, two or three years take time for consistency. Need results in both competitions - we will see.

“Absolutely. He knows that and he feels that. He was struggling a lot for five years without much stopping.

“No player that age who cannot play games without niggles, some injuries are more difficult to handle than the others.

“Kevin has an incredible worth ethic. I saw him working to come back and be the best. He has unique special qualities in the world.” 

Watch the manager’s press conference in the video player above.