Man City 'draw up two-man shortlist' to replace Rodri as Pep Guardiola fast-tracks plans

Manchester City have reportedly identified two midfield targets ahead of the January transfer window as Pep Guardiola looks to replace Rodri in the engine room.

The reigning Premier League champions have struggled to perform without their influential Spaniard, who is expected to be out for a number of months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

A run of six games without a win has reportedly forced City to accelerate their transfer plans, having initially been expected to target a new midfielder at the end of the season.

Instead, they will move things forward by pursuing reinforcements in the winter market, according to the Daily Mail.

It is said that Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is on their list of potential targets in spite of his recent injury problems. He is moving closer to a return to the pitch after undergoing groin surgery last month.

There is no guarantee that Palace would be open to selling Wharton in the middle of the season, even if City are prepared to pay over the odds. However, there is said to be a realisation at Selhurst Park that he is destined for bigger and better things.

Meanwhile, the report adds that Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi is another target for City after turning down a move to Liverpool in the summer.

It remains to be seen how the January window will play out for City, with Guardiola suggesting on Friday that he would look to rebuild his squad due to the injuries ravaging his players.

“The squad is really good but we don’t have a squad,” he said. “It’s not just Rodri, it’s many players. After that, I say we need to rebuild, yes. We don’t have players. We play six weeks without four centre-backs and two holding midfielders.

“It’s not sustainable. It’s more difficult. All the managers defend their quality. We work for the players we have. Step by step, players come back. Hopefully we can be together a long time.”

Guardiola added: “With 10, 12 games in a row, everyone fit and in their prime, everything going well, it’s easy. I have to prove myself now.

“Rodri is not an excuse. I cry all the time? Or the centre-backs not there for the last month? I have to find a solution. To find a way. I’m trying every day.”