Five players to complete Manchester City spine for Premier League challenge

In the latter half of last season, Manchester City put a good run together to challenge Chelsea, however, the Blues held them off and maintained top spot, eventually winning the Premier League title.

Arguably, City were somewhat short in personnel when factoring in injuries and there is an argument that Manuel Pellegrini’s side need to reinforce their spine in order to compete next season, with doubts over the future of Yaya Toure.

As a result, we take a look at five players who would make a difference to next season as they prepare another assault on the Premier League with Coral giving them 5/2 odds.

Morgan Schneiderlin
Long linked to Arsenal and Tottenham, while most recently, Manchester United have expressed interest; however, each party may well have found alternatives. If Toure leaves, Southampton’s France international Schneiderlin would be the perfect replacement and can continue developing his dynamism at City in a box-to-box role.

Radja Nainggolan
It remains to be seen how credible links are to Real Madrid, though if City made a move for Roma’s tenacious midfielder, he would link up with compatriot Vincent Kompany.

At 27, Nainggolan is approaching the peak of his career and would certainly shore up City’s midfield. Pellegrini is also well aware of his ability from when the two teams met in last season’s Champions league.

Toby Alderweireld
Another who is in high demand, with no less than three Premier League teams recently expressing interest in the Atletico Madrid-owned centre back, including Southampton where he excelled on loan last term.

Alderweireld would easily make a difference to City’s defence, and would also link up with fellow Belgian Kompany to form what could be a formidable rearguard relationship for both club and country.