Man City target Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush and Atalanta hero Ederson to solve crisis in January transfer window

The Premier League champions are likely to be active in the transfer market this month after a horror run that saw them win just one of 13 matches prior to victory at Leicester last time out. They have identified two of Europe's most highly-rated talents to help dig them out of a hole this season, according to Mail Sport. Omar Marmoush has lit up the Bundesliga, while Ederson could cover for the ongoing absence of Rodri.

Egyptian Marmoush ranks joint-second alongside Harry Kane for goals and assists across Europe's top five leagues in 2024-25, registering 13 goals and eight assists. Only compatriot Mohamed Salah has more goal involvements than the pair. Ederson has been a fundamental part of Atalanta's run to the top of the Serie A during the winter break but could be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

Manager Pep Guardiola accepts business will be necessary this month, saying: "In some positions we need help. When we're all together we're the team we were but with important players out for weeks and months it's so difficult."

Of the fatigue the squad have been failing, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne said this week: "People were playing too many games. But they have to do it because if you don't have anyone else, you have to play. They took the burden, hopefully people come back and we get back into a rhythm as a team."

City's immediate prospects have improved with the return of players from injury, as demonstrated by the fact Guardiola was able to leave Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish Jeremy Doku and Ilkay Gundogan on the bench for that Leicester victory. But with the likes of Walker, De Bruyne and Gundogan in the late stages of their careers, it still makes sense to attempt to reduce the squad's average age. The race to finish in the European places looks set to be competitive - but with the Champions League and FA Cup still to play for, City can still save their campaign.