"?Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa has said that departing manager Pep Guardiola is barred from signing any of his former players for his new club.
The Spaniard officially takes over at Manchester City on 1st July, and Costa told "?Globo Esporte that there's a clause in his contract.
"Would I be open to City if Pep called? It's something he has in his contract, a clause that says he cannot sign any players from Bayern.
"I am in a situation where I could stay at Bayern for a long time. The club's philosophy is to keep players at Bayern for a long time. I am happy at the prospect of enjoying a long career here.
"I have made a big step forward since leaving Shakhtar for Bayern. I did not expect to become so important right away. This has been the best year of my career."
The Brazilian arrived for €30m last summer, and has made a massive impact at the club, adding pace, energy and flair to a squad that was over-reliant on the ageing Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.
"You cannot compare Pep to any Brazilian coach. If you put all Brazilian coaches together, you would get Pep. One has motivational skills, another is tactically strong. But Pep has it all.
"Pep has the magic touch. He breathes football. He still played himself quite recently. Pep always keeps inventing new things. He is magic. I hope he can win the Champions League with City."
City's new regime under Guardiola has already begun with the signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund, and he has also been linked with a move for the German club's forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
BREAKING: Sky sources: Man City in advanced talks with Borussia Dortmund to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. #SSNHQ https://t.co/7lej8iIPM1