Man City target Samuele Ricci admits he has been studying Rodri as Pep Guardiola eyes Torino star as replacement for injured midfielder

Following Rodri's season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury, City have been considering signing another defensive midfielder as cover. Torino's Ricci is reportedly on their radar, but Arsenal and AC Milan have also been credited with interest. Now, the 23-year-old has addressed those transfer rumours and explained how the Spain international inspires him.

On being linked with City and Milan, he told RAI Sport: "It is very pleasing of course, but I have learned to understand football a bit now. When things go well, you are linked with these big clubs and it is gratifying because it means you are on the right track."

He added: "I’ve done a lot of training on turning my head to check what’s behind me, as it can make the difference. Sometimes you need to look more than twice, Luciano Spalletti taught me that too. My coach sends me videos to study, many of them are of Rodri. You can see the importance of the little things.

"I still have to improve on so many little things, like my positioning. [Torino coach Paolo] Vanoli sends me so many videos. Toro fans deserve more, as it is a club with immense history and so quite rightly their supporters are demanding."

City are trying to secure a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title this season in what could be manager Pep Guardiola's last campaign at the club. Losing Rodri is a huge blow in their bid to win silverware but whether they decide to move for Torino midfielder Ricci in January remains to be seen.

For the time being, City have been playing with Mateo Kovacic in a Rodri-like role, and Rico Lewis is another option, too. They have been linked with a January transfer move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi but whether or not Guardiola decides to strengthen City's hand is up in the air.