Manchester City intend to 'robustly' defend themselves against the Premier League charges for breaking financial fair play rules, according to reliable reporter Mike Keegan.

The Lowdown: Man City charged

The Premier League has charged Manchester City with numerous breaches of its financial rules after a four-year investigation into alleged wrongdoings, which are said to have taken place between 2009 and 2018.

City have been accused of not co-operating with the investigation, and the Premier League have now referred the club to an independent commission, which can impose punishments ranging from fines to points deductions and even expulsion from the top flight.

The Latest: Man City to defend charges

Taking to Twitter in the wake of the news, Keegan provided an update on what the club's next course of action could be following this morning's bombshell.

The Daily Mail reporter said: "Will not come as a surprise but I'm told that City intend to 'robustly' defend themselves against PL charges which dropped this morning."

The Verdict: Serious concern

Considering the severity of the potential punishments, the charges will be a serious concern for the Sky Blues, who will be hoping that this huge off-field news does not affect performances on the pitch, with the club still competing for the Champions League and Premier League.

Man City have previously encountered problems with UEFA in relation to alleged financial wrongdoings, but they managed to avoid the most major punishments after the Court of Arbitration for Sport lifted a two-year Champions League ban and reduced a €30m (£26.8m) fine to just €10m (£8.9m).

The club will no doubt be hoping for a similar outcome this time around, but BBC Sport's Simon Stone has detailed that it will be an expensive case which will drag on for a long time, with all manner of punishments possible if City lose the legal battle.