Guardiola has talked up John Stones and Manu Akanji among the options for Rodri, and it has also been injuries to centre-backs that really derailed City this season. If you can improve the first line of the build-up, that provides a stronger foundation for the rest of the team.

Barcelona's failed attempt to register Dani Olmo for the second half of the season has opened the door for Manchester City and Manchester United to sign the 26-year-old forward for free. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish) Bayer Leverkusen are among a number of clubs eyeing Manchester City's 22-year-old English midfielder James McAtee.