Manchester City could lean on sister club Girona for new additions after the Catalan side's stunning start to the season.
Girona top La Liga with 41 points after 16 games played following a sensational 4-2 victory over Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
The surprise package are two points clear of Real Madrid and seven ahead of their Catalan neighbours Barca.
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Girona were finally promoted to the Spanish top flight in the 2016/17 season and almost immediately after, became members of the City Football Group network.
Pep Guardiola's brother, Pere, is on the board at the club and there have been plenty of dealings between City and Girona over the years.
And City could well use the connections when it comes to potential new signings.
Former City player Yangel Herrera is on the books at Herrera and has been touted as possible Kalvin Phillips replacement.
Despite lifting a total of four trophies, the midfielder has not got going after his £42 million move from Leeds United and Guardiola's recent comments would indicate an exit is near.
Herrera became a City player in 2016 but the Venezuelan did not make a single appearance and was instead sent out on loan to the likes of New York City, Huesca, Granada and Espanyol.
He was on loan at Girona last term and impressed to the point where the club snapped him up for €5 million.
According to Lider Deportes, via Sport Witness, the 25-year-old, now deemed to be one of the best midfielders in Spain, is "waiting for City" and dreams of a return.
Similarly, Aleix Garcia has also improved remarkably since leaving City for Girona and could be a sensible option.
The midfielder joined City from Villarreal in 2015 and played nine times in the first team. On loan for two seasons a few years back, he is now with Girona permanently and has been an integral part of their success.
City also have right-back Yan Couto on loan at Girona and he could be a long-term option to replace Kyle Walker.
The 21-year-old Brazilian's only appearance in a City matchday squad was the Community Shield against Leicester City in 2021.
He spoke about his future recently, telling Mundo Deportivo: "I want to be at the highest level and I am very happy to be at Girona, but I also want to play in the Champions League, I don't know if here or at Manchester City, although I love Spain. I see myself playing more in La Liga, but we have to see what options we can consider for next year.
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, La Liga, Girona
Josh Lawless