Manchester City identify Torino star as Rodri replacement ahead of January transfer window | OneFootball

Recruitment bosses at Manchester City have identified a new potential defensive midfield target for the upcoming January transfer window.

The latest development on the transfer front comes as the Premier League champions look to acclimatise to life without defensive midfield mainstay Rodri, after the Spaniard sustained an ACL and meniscus injury during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Despite initial optimism around the problem, further assessment and examination in Barcelona and Madrid resulted in Manchester City being issued with the worst possible news, ruling out the 28-year-old for the remainder of the ongoing season.

The first Premier League encounter without Rodri saw City start with a combination of Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, and Manuel Akanji interchanging in the defensive midfield role, resulting in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

But another alternative that could face Manchester City and their recruitment bosses is the possibility of entering into the January transfer market, and the profile of one rising name in the European scene has emerged.

According to the information of The Guardian’s Rob Draper and Jamie Jackson, Premier League champions Manchester City are now weighing up a move for Torino and Italy international, Samuele Ricci.

With an ability to play in a variety of midfield positions, the 23-year-old is emerging as one of the best young, deep-lying playmakers and is reportedly high on Manchester City’s list if they decide they need to make a move in January to cover Rodri’s absence.

However, Ricci would not come cheap, with The Guardian suggesting a transfer fee could go as high as £30 million. When it comes to the player’s qualities, the report states, “Ricci is right-footed with an excellent range of passing and manipulates the ball well under pressure.”

It is continued, “At 5ft 11in he has the physical presence to survive in the Premier League and is said to tackle and block well.”

Unsurprisingly, it is pointed out that Torino would be reluctant to sell mid-season, however the lure of joining the Premier League champions and a serious contender for the UEFA Champions League would ‘probably be hard to resist’ for the player.

Subsequent reports from Italian media have suggested that links to Manchester City have intensified their own desire to renew Ricci’s contract at the club, extending his contractual term and also improving his salary package.

Pep Guardiola would likely remain content with his squad regardless of the situation come January, but one other option is entirely ruled out for the club, and that concerns on-loan midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The Englishman was granted a 12-month move to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town in an attempt to secure more consistent game time and find his form at the top of football once again. For Manchester City, it is understood that they have no option to recall the player early.