What has happened to Kelechi Iheanacho? This question is often asked around the Football Transfer Tavern.

The Nigerian youngster enjoyed an electric start to his Manchester City career, coming off the bench in the final minute to score the winner against Crystal Palace in 2015.

At one time it appeared that Iheanacho could do no wrong, and a debate began between fans here in the Tavern as to who would be better, Iheanacho, or the emerging Marcus Rashford.

While Rashford’s career has continued to gather pace, scoring the opening goal in this weekend’s win against leaders Chelsea, Iheanacho’s has stalled.

A handful of appearances since the turn of the year has seen the young striker linked with a move away from the Etihad to German Champions League hopefuls, Hoffenheim.

At 20 years old, Iheanacho is reaching the point in his career when consistent football is a must.

If he does not achieve this, his uncapped potential may never be realised.

A move to German football could be the offing for the striker, whether in the form of a loan move or a permanent switch.

With Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus firmly ahead in Pep Guardiola’s plans, Iheanacho needs to move on.

If Iheanacho does make the move, who should replace the young forward? City have faltered in their bid for the title this season, and other areas of the squad must also be improved.

Here we take a look at THREE players Guardiola may turn to to improve his squad….

Domenico Berardi

All praise this season of young Italian strikers has been directed towards Torino’s Andrea Belotti.

The forward has struck 27 goals in all competitions this season, and has looked the real deal.

The club should instead turn to his compatriot, Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi.

The Italian has been sidelined with a knee injury for much of this season, but interest in the player is still high.

Italian publication Calciomercato have linked the player with a summer move to Juventus, but the Citizens should move quickly to secure his signature.

Berardi struck 31 goals between the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons, and has been lethal in an average Sassuolo side. His stock on the market is much lower than that of Belotti’s, so he will cost a fraction of the fee.

His versatility makes him a viable backup option, as the forward can also play from the wing.

Berardi would provide an excellent replacement for Iheanacho, and City should move fast to sign the promising forward.

Leonardo Bonucci

City have suffered the indignity of a series of high profile transfer flops at centre back.

£32 million signing Eliaquim Mangala was an unmitigated disaster, and £50 million John Stones has been shaky.

The same can be said for Nicolas Otamendi, a £34 million signing from Valencia.

City would have to break the bank for Bonucci, but the Italian comes with a proven track record.

Bossing the Juventus back line for a number of years alongside Giorgio Chiellini, the Italian has proven class.

Multiple titles and cup wins in Italy, as well as a Champions League Final appearance last season, Bonucci has the experience of a winner, something City are crying out for.

Guardiola has been brought into the club to win silverware, and he needs players in his squad who know who to do so.

If City can convince the player to quit his native Italy, then the Manchester club have got to be one of the favourites for next year’s title.

Ross Barkley

Guardiola has spoken of his desire to bring young English players to the club in order to bring a strong core of domestic talent.

Jack Wilshere’s name was bounded about but with the midfielder injured yet again, it seems unlikely that a risk will be taken on the player.

That is where Ross Barkley enters the equation.

At 23 years old, Barkley is exactly what Guardiola wants to bring into the club.

Talented on the ball with an eye for goal, Barkley could be the future of City’s midfield for years to come.

With Romelu Lukaku looking likely to leave this summer, Everton will be looking to keep hold of their other top assets, and it will take a hefty fee to prise the player away from the club.

Barkley is a special talent though, and Guardiola would do well to acquire the player.

In a deep lying role or unleashed further forward, Barkley has the ability to tear defences apart, and a lethal partnership with Sergio Aguero could easily be formed.

If Guardiola can capture the player, and consistently draw the best from him, then Barkley could evolve into the world class he has threatened to be.