Our Manchester City fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that Pep Guardiola can reinforce the back line before February 1st.

Man City have been a level above everybody else in the Premier League this season but after their first defeat to Liverpool a couple of weeks ago, it has highlighted Pep’s need for a quality centre-back.

City looked ruffled after being put under pressure by Jurgen Klopp’s energetic team, so ideally the City board will look to act fast in the remaining days of the window to bring in a defender that can handle the intense pressure Guardiola puts his team under to perform.

Money is no issue for the Citizens, it seems, and they likely can have the choice of any player in the world, but what City need is a tackler – someone who will emulate Vincent Kompany in his prime.

Our regular Man City fans think that the landlord has got it nailed down with these two centre-backs he’s outlined for Pep…

Salif Sane

The Hannover 96 defender is certainly having a season to remember over in the Bundesliga. He has a highly successful pass rate (82%) and is fantastic when looking to make a tackle.

These two attributes should fit in line with Pep’s beliefs around how to play football according to our regulars, and Sane hasn’t featured in any European competitions which would make him eligible for the later stages of the Champions League, which is a rare thing to get in the January window.

He ticks all the boxes.

Kalidou Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly is Napoli’s rock at the back this season, whilst also providing a threat going forward – he has helped himself to four goals already so far this term. Much like Sane, his strengths are a short passing game alongside a tough tackling demeanour that sets him apart from many of the defenders in and around Europe.

He has really come of age over the last few years, and his strength and stature make him look tailor-made for the Premier League. He would be a sensational fit, especially at City.

The defender won’t be cheap, but in terms of raw quality, Guardiola would struggle to find better.