Man City eye Premier League star to replace Rodri as January transfer plans revealed

A Premier League star is on Manchester City's short-list of midfield targets as the club's January plans have been revealed.

Man City are set to be active in the January transfer window as they look to replace the injured Rodri, who has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

Several names have been linked with a move to the Etihad as Pep Guardiola looks to reinforce his midfield options ahead of the second half of the season.

And, according to The Daily Mail, Bruno Guimaraes is on Man City's transfer wish-list, with Guardiola thought to have 'insisted on his inclusion'.

Guimaraes, 27, has starred for Newcastle United since his £40 million transfer from Lyon in January 2022.

The Brazilian international has enhanced his reputation since moving to the Premier League, impressing the Spanish manager.

It is claimed that Man City could test Newcastle's resolve for Guimaraes as the Blues look to sign 'at least one' midfielder in January.

Per the report, Guardiola 'loves' Guimaraes and Man City were poised to make a move last summer.

However, they were put off by the £100 million release clause that expired at the end of June.

The star midfielder has more than three years left to run on his existing deal so Newcastle would be in a strong position to command a hefty fee should they decide to sell their star player.

Bruno Guimaraes in action for Newcastle United. Image: Getty

Without Rodri, Man City have struggled across all competitions.

They failed to win seven games in a row until their 3-0 victory at home to Nottingham Forest.

Speaking before their clash against Liverpool, which they lost 2-0, Guardiola refused to blame his side's poor run of form on Rodri's absence.

"It's not an excuse that Rodri is not there. What are we going to do, cry all the time that Rodri is not there? I have to find a solution, and I’m trying every day," he said.

"It's not nice to live, of course it's not nice, but what do you expect? That everything will be a red carpet? That everything is nice and easy? Now I have to prove myself. We cannot forget that, three months ago, we were Premier League champions.

"We made the FA Cup final and the quarter-finals of the Champions League. It’s not about playing good or playing bad, it’s about winning games. We won the Treble and four titles in a row."