Man City 'draws up two-man shortlist' to replace Rodri as Pep Guardiola accelerates plans

Manchester City have reportedly identified two midfield targets ahead of the January transfer window as Pep Guardiola looks to replace Rodri in the engine room.

The reigning Premier League champions have struggled to perform without their influential Spaniard, who is expected to be out for several months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

A run of six games without a win has reportedly forced City to accelerate their transfer plans, despite initially being expected to target a new midfielder at the end of the season.

Instead, they will move things forward by continuing their reinforcements in the winter market, according to the Daily Mail.

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is said to be on their list of potential targets despite his recent injury problems. He is getting closer to returning to the field after undergoing groin surgery last month.

There is no guarantee Palace would be willing to sell Wharton midway through the season, even if City are prepared to pay beyond the odds. However, at Selhurst Park he is said to realize he is destined for bigger and better things.

Meanwhile, the report adds that Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi is another target for City after turning down a move to Liverpool this summer.

It remains to be seen how the January window plays out for City, with Guardiola suggesting on Friday that he would look to rebuild his squad due to the injuries plaguing his players.

“The team is really good but we don’t have one,” he said. “It's not just Rodri, there are a lot of players. After that I say we have to rebuild, yes. We don't have any players. We are playing six weeks without four central defenders and two midfielders .

“It's not sustainable. It's more difficult. All managers defend their quality. We work for the players we have. Little by little, the players come back. I hope we can be together for a long time.”

Guardiola added: “With 10, 12 games in a row, everyone is fit and at their best, everything is going well, it's easy. I have to prove myself now.

“Rodri is no excuse. Do I cry all the time? Or haven't the central defenders been there for a month? I have to find a solution. Find a way. I try every day.”