Man City have wildcard solution to problem position - and Pep Guardiola has already given it the green light

As Hugo Viana scours the market for a new right-back for Manchester City, one key question will be what traits Pep Guardiola wants in the ideal candidate.

The Blues were interested in Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento earlier in the window, but that deal now looks difficult to pull off. Newcastle's financial position eased as a result of their Champions League qualification.

That has sent City back to the drawing board, and the market for right-backs this summer looks a quiet one. There isn't a standout candidate to replace Kyle Walker, who has held down the position since he signed from Tottenham for £50million in the summer of 2017.

City are unlikely to make a move unless the right player becomes available, which is why there is a distinct possibility they will use their squad to find an internal solution. Guardiola's squad is already too big, so signing a right-back just for the sake of it isn't an approach that is going to get much support internally.

Of those internal solutions, Matheus Nunes has been the player used there most often since Walker's drop-off in form began early last season. The converted midfielder has been reasonably solid in the role but there are mistakes in his game, and that is unlikely to change.

The other obvious candidate is Rico Lewis, who has played 40 of his 94 games for City at right-back. He had a difficult season last term and his red card against Wydad AC ruined any chance of building momentum in the Club World Cup, but he could improve again if the team around him is more stable this season.

After that, the other potential options there are central defenders by trade, but then Guardiola has been happy in recent seasons to play natural centre-backs at full-back. He might be