Cresswell was released by Liverpool as a youth-team player a decade ago but has enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Premier League

Manchester City have identified Aaron Cresswell, the West Ham United left back, as a potential transfer target in their attempt to bolster the number of home-grown players in their squad as part of a planned reshape this summer.

Although the future of Manuel Pellegrini, the manager, remains in doubt, with the Barclays Premier League champions facing a battle to stay in the top four after a wretched run of four defeats in their past six league matches, the club are pressing ahead with their transfer plans.

City stand to lose up to six players who class as home-grown at the end of the season, so the need to sign targets who meet those criteria is influencing the club’s transfer strategy.

Cresswell, 25, has won plenty