Manchester City have the money to spend, the intention to make additions, and space in the squad to accommodate January signings.

Whether it is a defensive midfielder, centre-back or perhaps a more attacking introduction, City look set for a busy January after a first half of the campaign beset by injury struggles and setbacks.

We know a few names who won't sign this month, while plenty of others have been linked with coming in. Whoever does arrive will have plenty of available squad numbers to pick from when they do sign.

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Joao Cancelo's exit in the summer frees up the number seven which he wore since 2022, but his loan spells from January 2023 mean it is now two years since any City player featured in that iconic number. If Guardiola wants a more big-name attacking signing, then the number seven could be a helpful selling point.

Numbers 12-15 are free, as are David Silva's former 21 and numbers 22, 28, 29 and 30 plus plenty above that.

And then there is the perfect number for a holding midfielder which currently lies vacant because contracted midfielder Kalvin Phillips is out on loan at Ipswich.

It is uncommon - but not unheard of - for clubs to reassign squad numbers of loanees to new signings. They didn't do it for Cancelo, and giving Phillips' number away would be the final nail in the coffin for his City career.

However, the chances of Phillips resurrecting his spell at the Etihad feel extremely unlikely and he couldn't even hold down a midfield spot in the summer when City had a squad mostly made up of academy players. He ended the tour at centre-back before joining Ipswich on loan.

Phillips inexplicably has a City contract until 2028, making any decision to take away his number more risky. However, he has had his chance at solving the holding midfield dilemma and will have to watch someone else move further ahead of him if they arrive. Potentially wearing his number.