Four Centre Backs City Could Be Looking At Signing In January

Manchester City decided not to replace captain Vincent Kompany in the summer, and with the early-season injury to Aymeric Laporte, it was a decision they now probably regret.

The Frenchman may well be closing in on a return to fitness, but with John Stones having been ravaged by his own injury problems this campaign, it has forced manager Pep Guardiola to rely on the likes of Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho.

Guardiola has made it known that the Citizens are unlikely to sign any player during the January transfer window, but it is almost certain they will be in the market for a centre-back if the right one becomes available.

So who will they be targeting? Press the “next page” as we identify four centre-backs likely to be on the club’s radar.

Caglar Soyuncu

The Leicester City defender has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium after an excellent first half of the season with the Foxes.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have the second-best defensive in the league and that is due in no small part to the Turkish international, who has effectively replaced Harry Maguire after the Englishman’s move to Manchester United.

Kalidou Koulibaly

The Senegalese international is a player that has been tipped to move to the Premier League for the last eighteen months. However, his asking price (in excess of £100m) has put off potential suitors.

In recent weeks, though, it has been reported in Italy that the 28-year-old has asked to leave Napoli and could be available for a much lower fee.

Milan Skriniar

At 24 years of age, the Slovakian is seen as one of the most promising young defenders in the world, and he has been part of an Inter Milan defence that has conceded just 15 goals in 18 league games this campaign.

Skriniar did sign a new contract with the Nerazzurri last May so he would cost a fair amount, but he would be an investment with his best years ahead of him.

Mykola Matviyenko

A surprise name but the Shakhtar Donetsk defender has been mentioned as a possible target for City in recent days. City are said to have been impressed by the 23-year-old after he played against them in the Champions League group stages.

The Ukrainian would present a cheaper option than the other defenders being considered, although his lack of experience may count against him.

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