Jesus 'big part' of Guardiola's plans - despite Kane interest, Spaniard says

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer in order for City to raise funds to try and sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

But, playing in a wider position, he showed his worth against the Canaries, making three of the goals as City got their season up and running in style.

It was his fizzed cross that goalkeeper Tim Krul ended up diverting into his own net in the seventh minute, then he also laid on Jack Grealish's first goal since his £100million move as City were 2-0 up inside 22 minutes.

After Aymeric Laporte swept home a loose ball from a corner, Jesus then teed up Raheem Sterling with another cross from the right before Riyad Mahrez completed the rout in the final 10 minutes.

For all the talk around City's pursuit of Kane, which has so far faced frustration as Spurs refuse to negotiate, Jesus has been something of a forgotten man.

But Guardiola was full of praise for him and confirmed he will keep his place for the match against Arsenal next week.

"If I should answer all the rumours in the media, we need five press conferences," Guardiola said. "The moment I tell you I don't like Gabriel, then we can talk about it.

"He has so much importance for me. It's not just when he makes an exceptional performance like today, it's every day. He deserves to continue playing, when a guy plays in this way he deserves to play again.

"He is a player who likes to play more wide than central positions. One of the reasons why I am a manager in the best moments of my career, apart from the titles and trophies, is because you can work with people, humans like Gabriel.

"He never complains. He never disrespects his team-mates. If he plays five minutes, he plays the best five minutes he can do. Play right he is happy, play central he is happy, play left he is happy.

"The combination with Kyle (Walker) was exceptional. I am very pleased with the performance he has made, an incredibly important player for us, he is so young. Big congrats because he deserves in life the best because he is so generous. I am incredibly satisfied."