Manchester City have identified Chelsea fullback Ben Chilwell as a potential replacement for Joao Cancelo, according to The Times reporter Paul Hirst.

The reliable journalist claims that the England international, who cost £45m when he made the move to Stamford Bridge two and a half years ago, is on Pep Guardiola’s list of targets.

Chilwell has struggled with injuries following his move to Chelsea, picking up an ACL and a serious hamstring injury over the last fifteen months, meaning he has only played 68 times for the Blues since making the switch from Leicester.

City are, however, in the market for an attack-minded left-back. Cancelo may have only moved to Bayern Munich on loan, but the Bundesliga champions do have an option to sign the defender for €70m (£62.6m) in the summer.

With Sergio Gomez the only other player in the squad who is a natural in that position, and Nathan Ake having to fill in when required, recruiting a player like Chilwell would strengthen the Citizens’ left flank massively.