Haaland help, Rodri puzzle, De Bruyne decision - Man City squad stocktake with transfer need evident

Manchester City are in the somewhat unfamiliar position of requiring some squad surgery.

The Blues have a few players coming towards the tail end of their careers at the elite level and look short in a couple of key positions. There is no lack of quality at Pep Guardiola's disposal and injuries have not helped this season, but as the January transfer window looms there is a compelling case for City to act in a market where they have been conspicuous by their absence in recent years.

You have to go back to Aymeric Laporte for the last time City went out and signed a first team player in January but with Premier League and Champions League aspirations on the line in a season longer than any other, the chequebook may have to come out in a few weeks.

We take a look at how City's squad looks and what might change over the remainder of the window in our audit of the player inventory.

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A position where City are certainly well stocked. Stefan Ortega can lay claim to being the best understudy in the business even if he probably hasn't got the minutes he would have wanted when he penned his new contract in the summer. Ederson, linked with a move away before the season started, has been one of the most impressive City performers so far and remains first choice by a distance. Scott Carson acts as third choice.

City have plenty of numbers but are perhaps a full back short. Rico Lewis has been to the fore this season but still has questions surrounding his defensive nous while Kyle Walker has battled form and fitness issues.

Josko Gvardiol has become a key player on the left while