Pep Guardiola recently admitted that his Manchester City team were out of the title race which has left a lot the club’s supporters here in the Transfer Tavern bitterly disappointed.

The Citizens fans who can regularly be found singing on the karaoke here in the Tavern were hoping that the club could romp to the title under the stewardship of such an illustrious boss.

It hasn’t worked out that way, however, and some disappointing defensive displays have pushed them a long way behind leaders Chelsea.

With the transfer window due to close on Tuesday there are plenty of City supporters here in the Tavern this morning questioning whether or not Pep should enter the market for a player or two.

Lee Clarke looks at two players who Guardiola must plead with his board to sign before the cut-off point.

Virgil Van Dijk

Quite simply Manchester City have been woeful defensively this season and it their incapability has cost them massively.

The Southampton man looks an improvement on both of the club’s current central defenders and Pep would be wise to make a move for the 25-year-old.

One City fan is playing dominos with his pals in the Tavern over a pint of real ale and he thinks the big Dutch defender is exactly what is needed at City right now.

Dmitri Payet

The man who wants a move away from West Ham United would be a quality addition to the current crop of City players.

Payet would work perfectly with the likes of David Silva and Sergio Aguero and he is also a decent age to still develop his skills.

One City fan is playing on the fruit machine here in the Tavern and he thinks that Payet would be a class signing, stating that his arrival could spark an upturn in fortunes.