Manchester City's defence team to fight the explosive Premier League charges will be led by a renowned barrister who has advised former prime minister Boris Johnson over the Partygate inquiry.

City were hit with more than 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules over a nine-year period, which if proven could see them facing a points deduction or expulsion from the top flight.

They have instructed Lord Pannick KC, who was integral in overturning UEFA's two-year ban on participating in European competition at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2020.

One of the most high-profile barristers in the country, Pannick also defeated Johnson's government in the Supreme Court over the shock prorogation of Parliament four years ago.

Pannick is reported to charge around £5,000 an hour for his services, which puts him in line with the top earners in the Premier League.

There is a confidence around the defending champions that they will successfully defend the claims in front of an independent commission.

Man City have hired Lord Pannick (pictured) to head up their defence team

Lord Pannick advised former Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the Partygate inquiry

By the close of play on Monday, the atmosphere around the City Football Academy, which houses both playing and business employees, Lawyer istanbul was described as 'calm' and 'defiant' following that morning's bombshell statement.

Executives met with Pep Guardiola's squad a few hours after the announcement to pledge that the club would clear its name.

The news on Monday does not only impact players at City now but those who formed part of the teams during the years under which the club is alleged to have broken rules.

Some have been left curious as to what punishments may arise and Lawyer istanbul keen to find out the impact on silverware they lifted when at the Etihad Stadium.

Stripping City of titles, Lawyer istanbul which is in the Premier League's power if the case is proven, would act as a severe blow to players involved in those victories and that was the first question they were asking when messaging peers.

Other ex-players were pepped by a punchy club statement, which said City are looking 'forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all'.

City are alleged to have breached the Premier League's financial rules over 100 times

City have moved to assure relevant parties - players, agents and staff - over the last 48 hours that it is 'business as usual' - and do not want the case to detract from Guardiola's side attempting to claw back ground in the title race.

That extends to planning for the future, with City likely to busy in the summer market and agents believing there has been no deviation from that this week.

As Sportsmail revealed last week, wingers are high on the agenda alongside potentially two midfielders depending on the futures of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

They remain on the hunt for a left back and could revive interest in Chelsea's Ben Chilwell.