Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has set his sights on a big name heir to club legend Fernandinho as news emerges on Real Madrid star Toni Kroos.

The Lowdown: Fernandinho set to leave Eastlands...

The Brazilian, speaking to media earlier this week, shocked both City supporters and Guardiola by openly confirming he will not be extending his stay at Eastlands for a third time.

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Fernandinho, a long-serving and crucial member of the Sky Blues' squad over this past decade, put pen to paper on one-year contract extensions in both the 2019/2020 season and 2020/2021 campaign.

However, this time round, the 36-year-old will leave Manchester as he plans a return to Brazil for regular playing time - coming after discussions with his family.

The last of the old guard, this comes as some sad news for Citizens, with sporting director Txiki Begiristain and Guardiola allegedly drawing up a list of possible replacements.

The Latest: Kroos on the agenda?

As per Spanish sources, one of the big names who could now replace Fernandinho is Real midfield superstar Kroos.

The Germany legend is entering the final year of his deal at the Bernabeu with the report suggesting he is open to leaving this summer.

Guardiola, as a result, is allegedly 'willing to convince him to play in England' as City add him to their transfer target list.

The Verdict: Ideal heir?

No player can truly replace Fernandinho with the South American fan favourite proving to be a key player behind-the-scenes as well as on the field since signing from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013.

Kroos certainly emerges as a shock contender given his age (32) and it is arguable that CFG would prefer to target younger additions with longer shelf lives - like West Ham star Declan Rice or AS Monaco starlet Aurelien Tchouameni for example.

That being said, both men would require major transfer fees, which may be a conundrum for Sky Blues chiefs given City's top priority chase for Borussia Dortmund star Erling Braut Haaland.

Kroos would arguably be the cheaper option given his contract situation at Real and there is no denying he would add real class - with former Galacticos boss Zinedine Zidane branding the midfielder 'spectacular'.

As this news emerges, it will be very interesting to see if Guardiola does personally convince the £307,000-per-week star to move to Eastlands.

In other news: Man City have made an offer for 'unplayable' star once valued at £125m, find out more here.