Pep Guardiola urges Man City to sign Bruno Guimaraes as Premier League champions consider swap deal to bring in Rodri replacement in January

To say that Manchester City have been struggling since Rodri's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear would be an understatement as the defending Premier League champions went on a seven-game winless streak in all competitions before returning to winning ways this week against Nottingham Forest. Guardiola's side are now looking to sign a defensive pivot in January and have had their eye on a number of players including Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and Atalanta's Ederson.

However, as per The Daily Mail, Guardiola has his eyes set on Newcastle's Guimaraes and is insisting City sign the Brazilian. The reigning Premier League champions had been interested in Guimaraes in the summer but eventually decided to bring former captain Ilkay Gundogan back from Barcelona in a free transfer.

As per the report, City were put off by Newcastle's release clause of £100 million ($128m) for Guimaraes. They are said to be considering sending Matheus Nunes the other way as part of a swap deal for Guimaraes.

Having won their first game since October, City will be hopeful that they can build up on the victory when they take on Crystal Palace on Saturday, December 7.