Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will reportedly consider signing a new centre-back during the January transfer window.
While the Spaniard has recently hinted that the Premier League champions could not afford to replace Vincent Kompany before the start of the season, the club's stance may change as a result of Aymeric Laporte's knee injury.
The France international is expected to miss a number of months after an operation was conducted earlier this week, leaving Guardiola with just John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi as his recognised central defenders.
According to The Mirror, City could now enter the market for a fresh face at the back as they bid to give themselves the best opportunity of retaining the three domestic trophies which they won last season, as well as attempting to win the Champions League.
As it stands, Guardiola will look to use either right-back Kyle Walker or defensive midfielder Fernandinho in the place of Laporte.
The North-West giants are also able to call upon Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who featured on their pre-season tour of Asia.
Darren Plant
