WORLD'S BEST WILL BE GOING FOR GOLD NOT GOLF IN THE STATES

Pep's City are in the mix to net £97m by being the ace of clubs

- From JOHN CROSS IN ATLANTA

PEP GUARDIOLA joked he will be taking his golf clubs to the Club World Cup.

But no one should be fooled about the importance of FIFA’s new-look competition in the United States.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris St-Germain and the rest have their eyes on a £97m jackpot for the winners as part of the overall £775m prize money.

And it is not just the cash on offer which is motivating the clubs, even though it is a major factor.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe will be among the star-studded cast list, but it will also be a huge show, bigger than just a dress rehearsal 12 months before the US jointly hosts the next World Cup.

And if you are in any doubt about the clubs wanting to win the Club World Cup, then you only need to look at the ‘mini transfer window’ ahead of the tournament.