Pogba, Sterling, de Bruyne all linked with club
Look, we’re going to be honest. We don't know who the manager of Manchester City will be next season. But what is clear is that changes have to be made, both on and off the field. City again failed to successfully defend their Premier League title after going down at the pivotal phase and were knocked out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage.
With an ageing side, and some big names struggling for consistency (mentioning no names…. OK, Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany…), it's clear that there needs to be a fresh injection, a new impetus. The summer should see plenty of players leaving and joining, but City will have to do battle with the Financial Fair Play rules too. Here’s a list of possible City recruits...
Jay Rodriguez (Southampton)
The 25-year-old has missed all of this season through injury. He showed enough last year, though, to indicate that he's an important asset to whoever he plays for. As he approaches full fitness, Rodriguez has a massive decision to make. Does he stay at Southampton who could well offer him Europa League football next season or seek a move to a bigger club like City who can offer Champions League football… and hopefully beyond the last 16? A fee of more than £20m might be needed for Rodriguez, but it would also give City another British player.
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
With contract discussions still stalling, could Sterling head to City this summer? The England international is sure to be a wanted man if he does indicate that a move away from Anfield is a possibility. There is unlikely to be Champions League football at Liverpool next season and with City likely to offer the kind of wages he seems to so desire, then a move to the Etihad could happen.
Paul Pogba (Juventus)
It's looking likely that Pogba will be leaving Juventus this summer and it could be a highly significant move if City were to sign him. His agent Mino Raiola is already a busy man and says he takes around 20 calls a day about his client, with more than 2,000 already this season. Signing Pogba could cost City around £70m and that might cause a few problems regarding Financial Fair Play. It'd certainly cheese Manchester United off, as City's rivals let Pogba go to Turin for free in 2012. With City likely to lose midfielders James Milner and Yaya Toure during the summer, they will definitely need a star player.
Kevin Du Bruyne (Wolfsburg)
There are plenty of Belgian stars in the Premier League and Du Bruyne might be the next to make their way to England. He's been a revelation for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga this season and helped them to second place in the table. That means he doesn't have to leave the German club to satisfy any desire to play in the Champions League. That won’t put City off trying, though, and his agent has already claimed the club has been in touch.
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Again with an eye to increase the British contingent at City, City are rumoured to be interested in signing Wilshere from Arsenal. City have made a habit of signing top players from the London club, but would Wilshere really want to leave? Signing him would be a major gamble anyway, considering the number of injuries the weak-ankled midfielder tends to pick up.