'I've Heard...' - Transfer Expert: Man City are already working on 'big name' signing

Man City have already drafted a shortlist of star names as they plot a move to sign a new midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.

This is according to well-connected transfer expert Mick Brown, who exclusively revealed to Football Insider that the club’s scouting department will already be aware of which players they want to step in to replace the Spain international.

This comes after Football Insider revealed that City have a “huge” transfer kitty in place ahead of the window thanks to the sale of Julian Alvarez in the summer.

Rodri, 28, suffered a serious knee injury during their 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad in a huge blow to Pep Guardiola’s side.

While there has been no official confirmation of the extent of the injury, Guardiola revealed he would be “out for a long, long time” and would require surgery.

However, it has now been said that they will already have replacements in mind and are preparing to move in January to replace their star man.

Football Insider revealed on 29 September that City are eyeing a move to sign Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella, but would have to pay upwards of £70million for his signature.

Man City plotting January deal to sign Rodri replacements

Mateo Kovacic was chosen to replace Rodri both against Arsenal and Newcastle, but City failed to win either game, and the Spaniard’s absence has already caused issues.

Brown, who spent over a decade at Man United during their most successful period including as chief scout, and has also worked as a senior scout at Aston Villa and West Ham in recent years, insisted he would be “astonished” if the club hadn’t already lined up potential replacements.

“I’d be absolutely astonished if they didn’t already have names in mind,” he told Football Insider.

“When you get a good side like Manchester City obviously are, they’re always looking to see how they can maintain what they’ve got and improve what they’ve got.

“Now, there aren’t many areas in their team where they’ll think they could improve.

“But what they will be doing is making sure they’re prepared if anything goes wrong.

“I’ve heard they will be looking for a big name, but it’s an interesting one.

“Rodri has been so instrumental in their team that you have to think they’re going to miss his presence.

“Kovacic comes in, he’s done very well when he’s been in the side to be fair, but Rodri’s absence has got to be a major factor they need to resolve.”

In other news, Man City set sights on midfield signing after Rodri bombshell.

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