Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has prioritised the need to sign a new centre-back in January after losing patience with captain Vincent Kompany, reports The Daily Mail.
Kompany has been limited to just seven Premier League appearances this season and was forced off at half-time in Sunday’s Manchester derby with injury.
John Stones has missed City’s last seven matches with a hamstring injury and isn’t expected to make a full recovery until next month, leaving Guardiola with the prospect of playing Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala through the busy festive period.
While City have managed to cope, putting together a Premier League record run of 15 straight wins, Guardiola wants to sign another centre-back in January to bolster their chances of success in the business end of the season.
Guardiola is still interested in prising Virgil van Dijk to the Etihad but refused to meet Southampton’s £60m valuation over the summer and Mauricio Pellegrino’s side may feel inclined to ask for more for a transfer midway through the season.
City have also scouted Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez on several occasions this season and are weighing up a January move for the 26-year-old.
The Sociedad No.6 has also been linked with a move to Barcelona, but Ernesto Valverde’s side are expected to accelerate their deal for Palmeiras defender Yerry Mina next month.
Martinez reportedly has a £29m release clause, which could prove decisive in City’s decision making next month.
Sociedad have actually fared much better when Martinez has not started in the league this season (42.9% win ratio) compared to the eight games he has started (25%).
