With the summer transfer window now open, Manchester City will be looking to make a number of signings as they look to regain their Premier League title after a disappointing 2014/15 campaign. IBTimes UK sports reporter Tony Mogan takes a look at who the club might be looking to ink the signatures of ahead of the new season.
The main criticism labelled at Manuel Pellegrinis team last season was that his ageing squad looked stale, with no marquee signings made for the last few years. But with Abu Dhabis Sheikh Mansour bankrolling the club and financial fair play restrictions eased, expect that to change this summer.
Seemingly top of their list is Liverpools wantaway winger Raheem Sterling. The 20-year-old England international would certainly inject some much needed young blood into the squad, as well as boost Citys home-grown contingent following the departures of Frank Lampard, James Milner and Micah Richards. But Liverpool have proved stubborn in letting the player go, rejecting two bids already as they hold out for a likely £50m (€70.5m) offer.
As well as Sterling, the other exciting young talent that City could seek to attract is Paul Pogba. The France midfielder helped propel Juventus to the Champions League final last season and City certainly have the financial muscle to afford his rumoured £60m-plus transfer fee. But with Barcelona and Real Madrid also showing interest, it remains to be seen if the 22 year old would pick rainy Manchester over sunny Spain.
A more realistic target for City is Wolfsburg winger Kevin De Bruyne. The 24-year-old Belgian international was in stunning form for the Bundesliga club last season, but might be reluctant to leave after only spending 18 months with the club.
