Manchester City will not be signing Bruno Guimarães or Martin Zubimendi in the January window.

The pair have been linked with the Blues for much of the past 18 months but MEN Sport reported on Saturday how City are not seeking a deal for either midfielder despite their issues in the middle of the park amid the continued absence of the injured Rodri.

Pep Guardiola has admitted he needs a bigger squad to cope with the demands of the expanded calendar, and City are looking at potential additions in the winter window. But if neither Guimarães or Zubimendi are on the radar, and given midfield is still a position in need of strengthening, just who could City swoop for? We take a look at five contenders

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Ederson (Atalanta)

A mainstay of an Atalanta side currently top of Serie A and on a 11 game winning streak in the league.

The 25-year-old has developed into one of the best midfielders around and with his club generally one that is not shy in doing business with the Premier League - albeit while commanding sizeable fees - a deal could be brokered.

The Brazilian is an all action midfielder capable of playing a defensive role or an attacking one and while he would cost upwards of £60million, you get what you pay for.

Samuele Ricci (Torino)

Staying in Serie A, the 23-year-old midfielder is reportedly on the radar of a host of European clubs.

Has broken into the Italy national team in the last few months after a string of impressive performances for Torino and while he is relatively raw and lacks European experience, he has more than 150 club appearances under his belt and the potential to improve further.

Joey Veerman (PSV)

A Dutch international who possesses plenty of the characteristics of Rodri and on paper fits the bill perfectly as an alternative to the Spaniard.

The 26-year-old is a key cog in the PSV side who are dominant in Dutch football and has also became a Netherlands regular.

His contract expires in 2026 and there seems to be an acceptance that the summer will see a move. City could be in a position to strike, and a January switch could be feasible.

Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan)

Another Dutchman and another who has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs.

Reports in Italy suggest the 26-year-old might be about to extend his contract with Milan but the lure of a leading light in England could be too good to refuse.

He has plenty of experience in Serie A, the Champions League and international football and can also operate a little further forward in midfield to perhaps allow him to feature alongside Rodri as well as instead of him.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

He's not quite got going this season after injury but the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder has proved in his time at Crystal Palace so far just how classy an operator he is.

Secured a spot in the Euro 2024 squad and at just 20, has vast potential. While a move in January is probably out of the question given he has recently had surgery to rectify a groin issue, the summer could be an opportunity for City to make a move.

His passing ability and ball retention make him the perfect Pep Guardiola player. But he would not come cheap.