Manchester City have targeted Caglar Soyuncu as a potential long-term replacement for Vincent Kompany in defence — with Pep Guardiola increasingly likely to stay and oversee the rebuilding of City’s squad.

The Premier League champions face serious difficulties in persuading Leicester City to sell the highly rated Turkish player. However, the 23-year-old fits the profile for the centre-back Guardiola wants: a ball-player who excels in possession but is also rugged.

Planning is under way to reshape City’s squad, with a replacement for Kompany, who left in the summer, a priority for the January transfer window. Beyond that, the club are working to identify options for a midfield successor to David Silva and may also make summer moves for an additional striker and right-back.

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