Managing Man City as Phillips ends nightmare, Guardiola solves issue and 3 sign
It has been a strange season for Manchester City.
While they are well in the title race, it certainly feels as if Pep Guardiola's side have taken a step back this campaign. From Treble winners last year, City are now below Aston Villa and have a lot of work to do if they are to win the Premier League title for the fourth time in succession.
The January transfer window presents an opportunity for boss Guardiola to solve some of the issues within his squad, as well as moving on players who have not been able to impress the Spaniard. So Mirror Football has had a go at stepping into Guardiola's shoes and managing Man City....
Incomings
City's biggest issue this season has been their vulnerabilities in defence. It is a problem that Guardiola must solve if his side are to climb to the top of the table in the second half of the season.
Josko Gvardiol has failed to impress as a makeshift left-back, with City's squad lacking established options in the position. That means a natural left-back is needed in January, with Alejandro Balde a leading option.
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Balde has been a regular in Barcelona's team over the past two seasons, helping them to win the La Liga title last year. With Barca desperate for cash, they would certainly be open to doing a deal with City.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should be Manchester City's top target in January? Comment below.
La Liga winner Alejandro Balde could be one of Manchester City's top targets in January (Getty Images)As well as a left-back, City could also do with reinforcements at centre-back, with John Stones and Ruben Dias having suffered injuries. Dias returned as a substitute in the win over Sheffield United, but Guardiola may be keen to further bolster the position.
Jarrad Branthwaite has starred for Everton this season, helping them in their survival battle. But the Toffees are also having financial difficulties, with Branthwaite one of their most sellable assets.
While boss Sean Dyche is keen to keep him, Everton could be tempted into selling the Englishman. City's final move in January could be for a star of the future in Argentine wonderkid Claudio Echeverri.
As well as captaining Argentina at the Under-17 World Cup, the 17-year-old has featured for River Plate as they sit second in the league. City could look to do a deal similar to the one that saw them sign Julian Alvarez to secure Echeverri's services.
Saying goodbye
The standout departure of the January window is almost certain to be Kalvin Phillips. The midfielder has failed to convince Guardiola to hand him the game-time he needs to be included in England's Euro 2024 squad, even when Rodri was suspended.
A number of teams are chasing his signature, including Newcastle and Juventus. City may prefer a permanent exit for the former Leeds star, given the small chance he has of ever claiming a regular place in City's team.
Newcastle are set to be limited to loan deals, while City may not be keen to strengthen a Premier League rival. That puts Juve in pole position, while the champions may be willing to do another deal with a European team.
Joao Cancelo has spent the first half of the season on loan at Barcelona, but the defender has no future at City. In an attempt to push through that aforementioned move for Balde, City could agree a permanent deal to Barca in exchange.
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The final exit of the winter could be goalkeeper Zack Steffen. The American is currently sidelined through injury but is set to return soon and could be allowed to leave to get his match fitness back.
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