Five defenders that could take over from Hapless Argentine at the Etihad.
With Martin Demichelis proving to be a popular figure of derision this season, and the likely exits of Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott being mooted, it’s high tide that City got themselves a top class centre-back to partner Vincent Kompany. Here are our top five players that they could go for.
5. Virgin Van Dijk – Celtic
The young Dutchman only joined Neil Lennons champions last summer in a £1.6m deal from Groningen, but he has already earned rave reviews for his performances north of the border, as well as a host of new admirers in England too.
Now valued at around £10m, City have been reportedly tracking his progress, while Lennon has also tipped the 22-year-old to make his international debut sooner rather than later.
4. Daniel Agger – Liverpool
With Liverpool said to be interested in bringing Micah Richard to Anfield, City could make a cheeky offer to bring the great Dane in the other way. Rumoured to be on the outs under Brendan Rodgers, he has been watched by the likes of Barcelona in the wake of Carles Puyol’s recent announcement concerning his future. It would take a sizeable offer to persuade him to turn down a move to the Spanish champions, though, but he is a solid and dependable battler who would partner Kompany easily.
3. Eliaquim Mangala – FC Porto
Mangala has been the subject of some heavy speculation this term as a number of top European clubs have been making frequent trips to the Estadio Dragao to check up on his progress. Cross city rivals Manchester United have been one of those to be linked, but City had already come close to landing him on transfer deadline day in January. However, he stayed put and now City still have a few months to ponder whether they actually want to make their move again. He is a raw talent, but his performances against Spurs in their recent Europa LEague clash only served to show that he is still very much a work in progress.
2. Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham Hotspur
The Belgian would be an obvious choice as he already knows how to play alongside Kompany as the two are the first choice centre-back pairing for their national side. He is most likely to move on this summer as he continues to make his discontentment at White Heart Lane known and will most certainly ask to leave if (or when) Spurs fail to qualify for European Competition next term.
1. Sergio Ramos – Real Madrid
The Spaniard has been on the verge of leaving the club for a number of years now, and though he has remained true to Los Blancos, there will come a time when he will look to seek a new challenge before moving beyond his peak. His versatility will obviously be a plus point for Pellegrini, but he will be expected to start in the centre, making City’s back line one of the most star studded in the world.