If the rumours are to be believed, Manchester City are set to fail in their efforts to persuade Ajax's Frenkie De Jong to move to the Etihad, paving the way for another young star to be linked to the champions, Declan Rice. However, despite appearing to be Pep Guardoila's second choice to the young Dutchman, Rice would be a more than ideal fit as a long-term replacement for the club's over-reliance on Fernandinho.
Manchester City's title defence came close to derailing in December as they relinquished their lead at the Premier League summit to Liverpool, following back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace and Leicester.