Which players do the Manchester clubs need to buy to become continental powerhouses

Stevan Jovetic

Names Linked – Edinson Cavani, Isco, Stevan Jovetic, Stephan El Shaarawy

Requirements – Central Defender, Winger, Striker

Despite having a hugely sub-standard season last year, the current City side is already a well-oiled machine which could return to the top with just a little tinkering. Most of that work has already predated the arrival of new coach Manuel Pellegrini. In Jesus Navas, City have addressed their biggest weak spot, the lack of quality wingers. Another of his ilk would certainly be welcome and Malaga’s precocious young talent Isco, with his ability to play anywhere behind the front man might have been an ideal option. However, the Spaniard seems set for Real Madrid at the moment and for City, it could represent a huge opportunity lost. An approach for someone with established Premier League class like Nani from their crosstown rivals may not be too bad an option.

Brazilian Fernandinho is the supposed answer to the other major weakness in the City side of 2012-13, a good defensive midfielder to back up Toure. While Gareth Barry did his best, the game often seemed to pass the English veteran by, particularly in Champions League matches. Former manager Roberto Mancini had bet on upcoming English talent Jack Rodwell as the answer to that particular dilemma although a mixture of injuries curtailed his contributions last season. In any case, the acquisition of a proven star in Fernandinho with European experience would do the Citizens a world of good.

City would also do well to shore up their central defence. In Vincent Kompany they have one of the premier centre backs in world football but his chosen partner for most of last season, Matija Nastasic, still has a lot to prove. The 20-year-old Serbian is certainly one for the future but unless there is a drastic improvement in performance levels, a more experienced campaigner could be brought in. However, even now, the best option might in fact be to look inward for City for this position. In Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott, City have the options already although they were left to rot for the most part by Mancini. Perhaps appeasing these two class assets should be top of Pellegrini’s list.

City have been linked with many a swashbuckling forward in recent weeks although Cavani’s name has been the one which has stuck. With Chelsea and Real Madrid believed to be a more likely destination for the Uruguayan, City might be forced to turn elsewhere to fill the gap left by Mario Balotelli’s January departure. Carlos Tevez is also rumoured to make way although a front trio of Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko still provides Pellegrini formidable options, particularly given the abundant creativity in midfield. In case Tevez or Dzeko are sold, a move for Fiorentina’s Jovetic, Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo, Bayern’s Mario Gomez or even Juventus’ Mirko Vucinic might be good options. Even a last gasp effort to steal Gonzalo Higuain might not go amiss.