Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain is staying in Europe as the squad embarks on its trip to South Africa this week.

The Telegraph says Begiristain will not travel with the squad to South Africa, with the Spaniard instead continuing to pursue efforts to complete a deal for Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo.

Negredo, who rejected a move to Hull City in 2009, is keen to complete an £18m move to City, but Sevilla have yet to agree a fee for the Spain striker.

City are also pursuing the Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, but it is understood that a deal for the Montenegro international is still some way from being agreed.