Change afoot at Manchester City in summer as operation overhaul takes precedence

Manchester City, 5/2 with Coral to win the Premier League next term, cannot afford to let another summer pass without strengthening considerably. Granted, they papered over cracks last year and, ultimately, got it wrong.

The signing of Eliaquim Mangala from Porto for a staggering £32m proved to be a wrong decision, and steps are likely to be taken to prevent the same thing from happening again.

There have been reports that manager Manuel Pellegrini could be on his way; however, it appears that there doesn’t seem to be a problem regarding his relationship between himself and his players. The club won their remaining six games of the season, even inflicting a 6-0 defeat on QPR.

Where there seems to be a problem, however, is a lack of quality in depth, which has been highlighted as something that should have been remedied in last summer’s transfer market.

Granted, they were hamstrung by Financial Fair Play, though, they still spent £50m on three players, as well as signing Frank Lampard on loan, while Bacary Sagna moved on a free transfer.

City have been linked with a number of top players in the market for this summer, as the club prepare to challenge champions Chelsea next term.

However, it is quite possible, that they might move a number of players on, with James Milner linked to Liverpool on a free transfer, while the likes of Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, Edin Dzeko, Stevan Jovetic, Fernando and Jesus Navas are likely to be surplus to requirements.

Kevin De Bruyne has been a protracted target for the club, and there is no doubt he would be an upgrade on the creative options they already have, except perhaps David Silva.