FERN NEXT MONSTER MASCHER

PEP GUARDIOLA believes midfield enforcer Fernandinho can extend his Manchester City career by becoming a centre-back.

City boss Guardiola, who converted Javier Mascherano into one of the game’s most accomplished central defenders at Barcelona, used Fernandinho alongside Nicolas Otamendi against Arsenal last week.

The Brazilian has become arguably City’s most important player in his usual position as a midfield kingpin, but Guardiola (right) reckons Fernandinho, 33, can adapt into a role at the back, with freedom to bring the ball forward.

Guardiola said: “He is fast, he is strong in the air, good at going backwards and when he sees the football in front of him, his vision for the pass inside or switch of play is excellent.

“So he is intelligent to go forwards or go backwards – and he understands everything.

“Of course he has to train more for it. I think he can do it, but his position now is as a midfield player.”

Fernandinho has just 18 months left on his contract and Guardiola admitted he is struggling to find a player capable of filling his position.

He added: “We have some options and are looking for more options, but today it is not easy to find the player.

“The winter transfer window is over. Until summer we have time to look. No problem.”