Manchester City are not expected to be among the busier clubs during the January transfer window — most of their business will be done next summer — but if the reigning Premier League champions do enter the market, it is most likely to be for a left-sided central defender.



The departure of Vincent Kompany at the end of last season was followed by Aymeric Laporte suffering a serious knee injury, while John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have experienced form and fitness issues of their own, leaving City looking increasingly vulnerable at the back.



Pep Guardiola has been forced to field central midfielders Fernandinho and Rodri out of position to provide emergency cover, while 18-year-old Eric Garcia has also been used. It increases the chances of City using the coming weeks to reinforce in that area of the pitch and The Athletic understands they have a list of at least five options should they opt to recruit.



Among the players they admire, according...