Man City have an obvious Paul Pogba free transfer decision to make amid Rodri injury

Manchester City are desperate. But not that desperate.

The four-time defending Champions can't buy a win, they can't keep players fit, and they are looking a shell of their formidable selves. Pep Guardiola insists things would be completely different if he had all his squad available and he's absolutely right. But they don't, and City are struggling massively.

Guardiola admits City will need to explore new signings in January, deviating from a long-term stance of avoiding business in the winter window. City are looking, though, and are open to making reinforcements.

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City generally don't believe that the January window represents good value, so one way of sidestepping the risk of paying a premium on summer prices is to explore the free transfer market. And the most eye-catching name on that list is a certain Paul Pogba.

The man who caused the downfall of managers at Manchester United. The man who scored twice in two minutes to deny City the Premier League title in 2018 against their biggest rivals. But also a midfielder who has interested City in the past.

On the one hand, City aren't exactly in a position to be picky, especially if they want to strengthen to a point where they can challenge for an unlikely title. Either they pay millions for a player capable of holding a fragile midfield together like Rodri does, or find an alternative solution like a loan or free transfer.

Take away Pogba's former employers, the fact that his ban isn't lifted until March, and the fact that he won't have played a competitive game in 18 months by that point, and he could be a cheap short-term option.

But that is to ignore his history at United, his lack of fitness, his headline-grabbing nature and also the fairly-important factor that he doesn't exactly fit the brief of what City need.

City have admired Pogba in the past but he won't join in January because he would not be fit and available before the run-in (on top of many other major factors). They need a quality midfielder who can have an instant impact. Not another player crowding the injury room and gym. Next.