Manchester City will return to Premier League action at the weekend against newly-promoted Fulham.

The Citizens have won three out of their opening four fixtures as they look to become the first side since Manchester United in 2009 to retain the Premier League title. Pep Guardiola’s side remain hot on the heels of Liverpool, Chelsea and Watford at the top of the league. City will be hoping Tottenham can deny the Reds a result at Wembley.

Guardiola made just one significant signing in the summer, the £60m capture of Riyad Mahrez from Leicester. While their rivals strengthened significantly, City opted to keep faith in their current roster of players. However, the latest set of reports in Spain should definitely grab the attention of the City hierarchy.

Diario Gol reports that Real Madrid will allow star defender, Raphael Varane, to leave the club in 2019. City should do everything in their power to bring him to the Etihad Stadium.

Valued at £72m by Transfermarkt, the World Cup winner has blossomed into one of the finest defenders in the world after leaving Lens for Madrid back in 2011. He made 27 appearances in La Liga last season and helped Madrid lift their third consecutive Champions League trophy. His arrival into the City back four could make the Citizens unstoppable.

Captain Vincent Kompany has less than one year remaining on his contract with the Blues and is approaching the end of his career at 32. Varane would be the ideal long-term replacement for the City legend and will only get better under Guardiola’s tutelage.

If the reports are true, landing Varane ahead of rivals Manchester United must be made a priority.

Manchester City fans, thoughts?