Naturally, a losing run like Manchester City's has sparked transfer talk, and the Blues are ready to splash the cash in January.

City are usually reluctant to enter the winter transfer window, but this season is different and Pep Guardiola admits he needs a bigger squad to cope with the ever-expanding schedule. The club have made huge profits in back-to-back years, and have money to spend if they can find the right player.

But who could they realistically target? A defensive midfielder feels like a priority with Rodri out, while fans are calling for more full-back cover and a central midfielder could be a wise addition given the uncertainty over Kevin De Bruyne's expiring contract.

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Here, we have looked at one realistic player Man City could target in each position - and one unlikely signing that (probably) will never happen.

Right-back

Kyle Walker hasn't been fit, or in form, all season and Rico Lewis looks overworked. Manu Akanji and John Stones can play at right-back, but they have both struggled for fitness - and when they are available they have been needed centrally.

So if City were to target a right-back, they could maybe look at someone they know all about - former academy full-back Jeremie Frimpong, currently a Bundesliga champion with Bayer Leverkusen. He wouldn't come cheap, but if City want an attacking full-back with the added bonus of having been trained at the CFA, Frimpong would tick many boxes.

As for an unrealistic target, what about one of the best right-backs in the world, capable of moving into midfield and playing defence-splitting passes like Kevin De Bruyne? He would be available on a free in the summer, and weaken a major rival in the process. Is it worth a cheeky call in to Trent Alexander-Arnold?

Centre-back

City have five centre-backs but they have all struggled for fitness this season. Marc Guehi is the latest to be linked with the Blues and would fit the criteria for having homegrown players in the squad. So too would Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite - although both are established, young Premier League and England defenders so would warrant a price tag that reflects that.

Similar to Alexander-Arnold, if we're looking at an unrealistic target, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is out of contract in the summer as it stands. Why not.

Left-back

City haven't signed a recognised left-back in years, and even then Benjamin Mendy was barely available. Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake are solid enough there so it isn't a priority next month.

One name often linked with City is Fulham's Antonee Robinson, who is also mentioned in connection with Liverpool and Manchester United. He said this week that he'd be open to a move, telling Marca: "I'm very happy here. The fact that there is interest from other teams is great. Obviously, it all comes down to whether someone wants me enough to pay what Fulham would ask. So, if the club sees it as a good idea, I would leave."

Defensive midfield

This is where there will be the most scrutiny as Rodri remains out. They will have to give him time to ease back in whenever he is fit and there will be extra pressure given how bad they have been without him.

So a competent back-up in January would be a huge benefit, but that player would also have to be happy stepping back when Rodri is ready. It's a difficult line to tread.

Martin Zumbimendi is a name closely mentioned with City, and he is Rodri's second-in-command for Spain. He would cost a lot of money, however City are currently seeing the cost of a Plan B that isn't good enough.

Joshua Kimmich is another who has been linked with City as he waits for a new contract from Bayern Munich. He has worked with Guardiola before and is capable of playing in other positions when Rodri is back - including right-back.

Centre midfield

There is a theme developing here - players who could be out of contract. Jamal Musiala would be a coup for City, even more so if they could snap him up on the cheap. Musiala is contracted at Bayern Munich until 2026 but is yet to commit his future and the gossip in Germany suggests there could be movement one way or another this summer.

Musiala himself says he wants to stay in Bavaria but still hasn't signed a new deal. If he doesn't, Bayern may look to get some money while he can still command a strong fee.

De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan are both out of contract next summer (Gundogan has an option of another year) so the midfield needs regenerating.

At number 10, Florian Wirtz was a name in the mix last summer and has only improved since - but would have a price-tag that reflects his rise. Or could Barcelona's latest financial mess lead to an opportunistic move for Dani Olmo, potentially unable to be registered for Barca in the new year.

Forwards

Now we get to the more unrealistic options. City are well-stocked for wingers but may look at the likes of Leroy Sane and Adama Traore who are out of contract next summer, both players with history with City in different guises.

There is a demand among fans for a striker signing to support Erling Haaland. There is a buy-back option on Liam Delap but he is still showing his raw potential at Ipswich, while incoming Sporting Director Hugo Viana may recommend Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres who netted a hat-trick vs City in the Champions League.

Neither player seems like a City player, though, summing up the difficulty of signing an attacker capable of replicating the impact Haaland has, or that Julian Alvarez offered.

Let's end on another transfer that will never happen, then. Marcus Rashford anybody?