Options in the middle

THE fact City are not pursuing another holding midfielder after missing out on target Jorginho says it all.

It is not often the Blues put all of their transfer eggs in one basket, but it now seems that the Italy international was the man they wanted, and they had no fall-back plan.

Instead, Pep Guardiola will now seek to fill the gap left by Yaya Toure’s departure.

Guardiola intends to utilise players from within the squad to do so – but to whom will he turn? We look at the options. ILKAY GUNDOGAN Not a natural for the number six position, but the Germany international stepped into the role last season for four of the five forced absences which Fernandinho had through suspension or injury.

The fact that City won all four – trips to Arsenal and Spurs and home games against Chelsea and Swansea – is testament to his suitability in the role. FABIAN DELPH Stepped into the breach against West Ham in December when Fernandinho was benched to avoid a yellow card.

City won the game 2-1 and he was one of the Blues’ better performers – but was still switched to left back at halftime in a Guardiola re-shuffle. DANILO When City signed the Brazil international, much was made of the fact that he covered right back, left back and defensive midfield positions – but we have yet to see him in the role for City. CLAUDIO GOMES The new boy, signed from under Paris St Germain’s nose this summer, has been promised he will train with the first team squad and is likely to be on the flight to the USA for pre-season.