From Jack Gaughan: Two European midfielders discussed within Manchester City over possible January transfers

Manchester City have privately discussed the names of two of Europe’s best midfielders as possible transfer targets for the upcoming January market, according to a report.

The Premier League champions continue to source a variety of solutions to the absence of Rodri from their first-team operation, as the Spaniard remains ruled out for the rest of the ongoing campaign following surgery on a double knee injury.

Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff have turned towards a number of options over the last few weeks, while matters have been further complicated with Mateo Kovacic ruled out for up to a month following involvement with Croatia in the UEFA Nations League.

Saturday evening’s meeting with Tottenham in the Premier League saw Ilkay Gundogan paired with Rico Lewis in front of Manchester City’s rearguard, but the outcome of the game could not be salvaged and Spurs would run away as 0-4 victors.

Many have encouraged Manchester City decision makers to turn towards the transfer market when the window reopens in January, and a new report has pointed towards two names from within Europe that have already been discussed within the Etihad Stadium.

That is according to the information of MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, who states that not only is a central midfielder top of Manchester City’s transfer wish-list, and Real Sociedad and Spain’s Martin Zubimendi has been mentioned along with Atalanta and Brazil’s Éderson.

The 25-year-old Spain international has been recently linked with interest from the Premier League, having been identified as a primary target for Arne Slot’s new operation at Liverpool, but ultimately decided against a move to Anfield.

Interest from Merseyside is likely to remain in place, although it is yet to be seen whether Liverpool would be willing to reignite their interest midway through the season, and potentially enter into a direct battle with Manchester City for the player.

As for Éderson, the Brazilian is not alone in the Serie A when being mentioned in the Manchester City conversation, standing alongside the likes of Torino’s Samuele Ricci and Inter’s Nicolo Barella.