Guardiola has three transfer priorities picked out by former Man City boss Pearce

Pep Guardiola has seen three transfer priorities picked out for Manchester City, with Stuart Pearce of the opinion that reinforcements are required from back to front.

The Blues made history in 2018-19 when completing a domestic treble.

Premier League and Carabao Cup crowns were retained, while the FA Cup was added to a notable roll of honour.

There are few chinks in City’s armour, but even a star-studded squad can be improved.

Former Blues boss Pearce considers that to be the case, with there a couple of obvious areas in which Guardiola could strengthen.

He has seen club captain Vincent Kompany depart at the end of his contract, while holding midfielder Fernandinho is not getting any younger at 34 years of age.

Long-term successors are required for two talismanic figures, while Pearce believes that another proven frontman would also aid City’s cause heading forward.

He told Sky Sports: “I think all teams need to strengthen no matter who they are.

“Just to get a fresh face in the dressing room, Man City with Kompany leaving that leaves an issue at the centre of defence, I think as well the holding midfield role as well as if they lose Fernandinho for any period of time, which they did last season, would cause them problems.

“And I always think upfront, you can always strengthen with a striker.”

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City are not expected to be busy in the summer transfer window, but are being linked with a number of proven performers.

Speculation suggests that they are among those keeping an eye on Leicester defender Harry Maguire.

A move for Crystal Palace full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also been mooted, with the Blues piecing together plans for both the present and future.

Guardiola may also be tempted to join the race for Ajax starlet Matthijs de Ligt, with the 19-year-old centre-half attracting interest from leading sides across Europe.

In terms of midfield options, Atletico Madrid star Rodri is considered to be a top target amid talk of a €70 million (£60m/$80m) buy-out clause in the 22-year-old’s contract being triggered.