Pep Guardiola has been given the green light to try and sign a left-back in January and is ready to listen to offers for Gael Clichy if the right man can be found.
Though Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain was initially reluctant to spend in the winter window, with a £27million deal for Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Jesus already agreed, he has been persuaded by Guardiola’s argument that he needs a top left-back if the club are to challenge in the Champions League and for the Premier League title.
A budget of £20million has been allocated to target the right player and though the acquisition is not dependent on Clichy leaving, the 31-year-old Frenchman will be given the opportunity to go.