Manchester City supporters have been drowning their sorrows in the Transfer Tavern in the last few days after seeing their side bow out of the Champions League courtesy of a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola’s men were 3-0 down in the tie ahead of Tuesday’s return leg at the Etihad Stadium, but the Citizens made the perfect start in netting through Gabriel Jesus after just two minutes.

Both teams to score tips were heavily backed ahead of this game however, and despite a dominant first half the hosts were unable to add to their tally. Jurgen Klopp’s Reds hit back after the break through Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino to book their place in the semi-finals, at the same time leaving City’s treble hopes in tatters.

Consequently, there have been many despondent Citizens supporters in the Tavern in recent times, several of whom are hoping their side can pick themselves up after a disastrous week when they travel to Tottenham on Saturday.

In the meantime though, there has been much for our resident City fans to get their teeth into, not least recent reports suggesting that Guardiola is eyeing up three ‘big’ signings this summer in a bid to take the North West outfit forward again next season.

The Citizens will certainly win the Premier League this season but will be disappointed with another relatively early exit in the Champions League, a competition they have yet to reach the final in, and have actually only managed one semi-final berth in the last seven years.

Yet of all the names City have been linked with in the last few months, here are the THREE big name stars Guardiola must land this summer to take City to the next level in Europe next season…

Toby Alderweireld

Toby Alderweireld’s contract situation at Tottenham has been well documented on in recent months, with it looking increasingly likely that the Belgium international will leave the club this summer.

The 29-year-old has undoubtedly been one of the best defenders in the Premier League in recent seasons, but with his contract up in the summer of 2019, and Spurs seemingly unwilling to trigger a year extension given it brings a £25 million release clause into play, the North London club may seek to cash in on the centre-back this summer.

And with concerns over Vincent Kompany’s fitness, as well as Eliaquim Mangala simply not being good enough for City, Guardiola should seek to land Alderweireld during the close season.

Fred

Fernandinho has been outstanding for City this season, but at the age of 32, Guardiola will surely be thinking about a long-term replacement for the influential Brazil international.

And Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred could be the answer.

The 25-year-old made the move to the Ukrainian giants back in 2013 and has since played a key part in their success, with the Brazilian helping them to league titles in 2014 and 2017, as well as various other pieces of silverware.

City have been regularly linked with the midfielder, as have neighbours Manchester United, and given that Fernandinho also learned his trade at Shakhtar and has since gone on to be a star for the Citizens, Guardiola should be tempted to revisit the Ukrainian outfit for Fred.

Eden Hazard

It has been a testing season for Chelsea and star man Eden Hazard, and were the Blues not to make the top four in the Premier League this term, the Belgium international could well seek to leave Stamford Bridge.

The 27-year-old has played an integral part in the Blues’ most recent Premier League title-winning campaigns having netted 14 times under Jose Mourinho back in 2015 and then 16 times last term under Antonio Conte, in turn becoming one of the best attackers in English football.

City, like several top European clubs, have been linked with a move for Hazard in recent times, a move which could well take place if Chelsea do indeed miss out on Champions League qualification this season.