It has been widely known for some time, but Manuel Pellegrini revealed late last week that he is likely to become the next manager of Manchester City when he admitted that he is to hold talks with officials from the Etihad Stadium over the coming days.
The club's failure to retain the Premier League title last season was attributed largely to a lack of big name arrivals during the previous summer, which ultimately cost Roberto Mancini his job.
With reports claiming that the incoming Pellegrini is to be handed a large amount of money to improve the squad, Sports Mole has drawn up a five-man shortlist of players that could arrive in Manchester from La Liga, where Pellegrini has recently been in charge of Malaga.
Isco, Malaga
The 21-year-old is one of the hottest young properties on the European market at the moment. He rose to prominence in 2012 by helping an unfancied Malaga to qualify for the Champions League and then went on to shine in that competition as Los Boquerones were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by Borussia Dortmund. He has been compared to fellow Spaniard and current City attacker David Silva, but with Samir Nasri tipped for a departure, the Valencia youth product could comfortably slot in alongside his compatriot. Real Madrid are also thought to be interested, but Pellegrini handed Isco his chance to breakthrough into senior football and that could allow City to win the race for his signature.
Fabio Coentrao, Real Madrid
Both Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov had their critics last season, with neither really able to make City's left-back slot their own. During his time as Villarreal coach, Pellegrini had a loyal full-back in Joan Capdevila and he may view Coentrao in a similar way. At times the Portuguese international can be found wanting defensively, but his game has improved in that aspect and he is also a threat going forward. The Chilean coach does not often play with wingers, so Coentrao's ability in the final third would be welcome. He may also want a move away from Madrid following the departure of his compatriot and coach Jose Mourinho.
Geoffrey Kondogbia, Sevilla
With Gareth Barry seemingly getting slower by the match, France youth international Kondogbia would bring more pace and a greater physical presence to the City midfield. While Sevilla disappointed on the pitch last season, the 20-year-old showed that he had a bright future ahead of him with a string of commanding performances. City may also benefit from the financial problems that Los Palanganas are suffering from, with virtually their entire squad available for transfer. The sight of him and Yaya Toure in the same midfield would be an imposing one.
Alexis Sanchez, Barcelona
Football is a squad game, but there are not many players who will be happy to sit on the bench on a regular basis. That is a position that Sanchez may find himself in following the arrival of Neymar at Barcelona. It's a fairly safe bet that the young Brazilian won't be taking Lionel Messi's place in the team, so it is either Sanchez or Pedro who will have to make way. City were believed to be keen to sign the 24-year-old when he switched from Udinese to Barca in 2011 and may well renew their interest now. The fact that he is a fellow countryman of Pellegrini may hold some sway, while Barcelona may be willing to part with him following the emergence of Cristian Tello.
Alvaro Negredo, Sevilla
Like his teammate Kondogbia, Negredo may be available for less than his usual market price. With the futures of both Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko in doubt, City and Pellegrini will be keen to sign at least one striker, if not two before the new campaign kicks off. What Negredo would provide them with is a physical presence, while also being able to hold up the ball and bring others into play. He can also score goals, having netted 25 times in La Liga last season, which made him the leading Spanish goalscorer in the top flight behind Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
