There are also claims that the champions have come to a firm conclusion on another potential recruitment move.
And there is a bold rallying call from Rodrigo to the squad and fans alike in the wake of Saturday’s disappointing derby defeat to Manchester United.
Transfer gossip
Sportsmole.co.uk – City ponder swoop for Barca ace
“Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly all considering moving for Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti during the January transfer window.
“The France international recently hinted that he could look to leave the Spanish champions unless his current position within the squad changes.
READ: Guardiola | Foden’s time will come
WATCH: Inside City | Episode 365
“The 2018 World Cup winner is no longer considered first choice for Barca with Clement Lenglet emerging as Gerard Pique’s preferred partner at the heart of the defence.
“According to L’Equipe, City view Umtiti as the player to ease their defensive problems at the start of 2020, but the Premier League champions could face competition from both United and Chelsea.
“The 26-year-old has only made five first-team appearances for the Catalan giants this season.
“Barca are unlikely to allow the central defender to leave on the cheap, though, as his contract at Camp Nou will run until the end of the 2022-23 campaign.”
Daily Star – City ‘rule out’ Sancho return
“City will not take up the option to match offers for Jadon Sancho as Manchester United , Liverpool , and Chelsea prepare to fight for the winger.
“City have first refusal on the England international, who they sold to Borussia Dortmund for just £8m in 2017.
“Sancho has gone on to flourish in the Bundesliga and his form has led to him being linked with several of Europe’s big hitters.
“However, Starsport understands the Premier League champions have no interest in bringing him back to the Etihad.”
From the players
Manchester Evening News – Rodri fires a rallying cry
“Rodrigo revealed how Pep Guardiola urged the City squad to stay strong and summon up a collective response in the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s 2-1 derby loss to Manchester United.
“He (Guardiola) tried to lift our heads up. It is a tough moment for the team, but we have to keep fighting,” said the Spanish midfielder.
READ: Walker outlines areas for improvement
WATCH: Guardiola | We have to learn from difficult spell
“We have other cups, other goals which are interesting and very good, so we need to keep fighting and of course recover people because we have lots of problems with injuries – it’s been tough at the beginning of the season.
“I would tell the supporters to stay behind us because we have other things this year, other cups. It’s difficult but we have to fight until the end.
“It’s a big gap but my mentality has always been never give up, never. We will play and we will fight until the end.”
