MAIN CONTENDERS TO REPLACE AGUERO

LAUTARO MARTINEZ AND ROMELU LUKAKU (INTER MILAN)

The Serie A leaders, who are mulling over the prospect of signing Sergio Aguero on a free transfer, are loathe to lose either Martinez or Lukaku. The pair have 33 league goals between them this season as Inter aim to clinch a first title since 2010. Lukaku, 27, appears to be happy in Milan after leaving Manchester United. Argentina international Martinez would cost a big fee.

ANDRE SILVA (EINTRACHT FRANKFURT)

At 25, Silva is older than some others in the mix. The Portugal international had spent time on loan at Frankfurt from AC Milan before the German club made the move permanent last September. Has 21 league goals this season. He has also been linked with Manchester United and Barcelona.

JOAO FELIX (ATLETICO MADRID)

City did look at Felix, 21, when he was a teenager at Benfica before backing away from formalising any interest as he switched to La Liga. The £113million fee that Atletico paid was seen as significantly more than City could countenance and it remains to be seen what price he would command now.

ERLING HAALAND (BORUSSIA DORTMUND)

The most sought-after player in Europe at the moment. Haaland could have joined Manchester United when leaving Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 but opted for Borussia Dortmund. The 20-year-old has scored 34 goals in 31 league starts since and become the youngest player to reach 20 Champions League goals. Many view City as the logical step for a player who places the importance of winning trophies over the individual benefit of a move.

HARRY KANE (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)

City had a look at the logistics behind a move for Kane last year, before the pandemic, and could be minded to try their luck should a pursuit of Haaland ultimately not succeed. Kane is 28 in July — and Daniel Levy is likely to demand exorbitant money — but he guarantees goals and will do so for seasons to come.