Manchester City are looking increasingly likely to sign Athletic Bilbao centre-back Unai Nunez this month, according to reports.

City have had numerous defensive injury woes so far this season, causing a catastrophic impact on their title defence. Vincent Kompany’s departure, followed by injuties to Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have all lead to Guardiola in desperate need of a centre-back signing this winter.

Various big names have been touted with a move to the Etihad, such as Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, but such deals are difficult to strike mid-way through the season in January.

However, Nunez has struggled for game time at Bilbao this season, making only eight appearances, and is reportedly refusing to sign a new deal at the club.

The 22-year-old is highly regarded in Spain, and it is believed that Pep Guardiola has a big interest in bringing him to England.

EL Gol Digital claim that City is the defender’s most likely destination, and the Spanish side are likely to allow him to leave this month.

It would be considered a fairly big coup if the Blues could pull off a deal for Nunez this month, but it is likely Pep Guardiola’s immediate attention is on striking a deal for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.