Despite numerous claims that they would be inactive in the January window, Manchester City have identified four defenders that they could possibly make a move for.
Pep Guardiola has consistently stated that the players he wants to sign will not be available in the January window and he will stick with the squad he has.
However, The Telegraph is reporting that City's scouts have been looking for defenders and have drawn up a shortlist ahead of the window.
City are likely to keep tabs on these players for the rest of the season and then make an offer for them at the end of the campaign - with a slim possibility that they could make an offer for one of them in January.
The first of these targets is Bournemouth's Nathan Aké, but they expect him to rejoin Chelsea. The Dutch defender has a buy-back clause in his contract that only the London club can trigger.
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Top clubs are linked with a move for Nathan Ake in January - and it is no surprise
City have scouted throughout Europe, identifying both Benfica's Ruben Dias and Villarreal's Pau Torres as potential targets. Both are only 22, but are being touted as two of the best young defenders around the globe.
Kalidou Koulibaly's situation at Napoli is also being assessed by City's scouts. The Senegalese international is reportedly keen to leave Naples and has already been linked with both Manchester clubs.
Guardiola's side have been lacklustre at the back this season, especially since Aymeric Laporte was ruled out with a knee injury. The Frenchman hopes to return at the back end of January following surgery.
But, City may look to move for a new centre-back even before Laporte returns from injury. They sit second in the table, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool and have only kept one clean sheet in their last 13 games.
The Cityzens only conceded 23 goals last season on their way to retaining the Premier League title - but this season tells a very different story. They've already conceded 20 goals and we aren't even halfway through the season yet.
There are obvious problems at the back for the champions and with the January window not too far away, it will be interesting to see whether Guardiola splashes some cash.
Source : 90min