4 Players That Manchester City Should Target in the Transfer Window

"Big spending" City go into the transfer window with a squad depleted by injuries, suspensions and international competitions. Manager Roberto Mancini is eager to spend to add to his squad, but management is hesitant.

If they do spend, here are a few names City could target in the window.

Daniele De Rossi

With Yaya Toure gone to the African Cup of Nations,  the Citizens look for depth at the defensive midfielder position . They may look no further then De Rossi, who has been targeted by Mancini for years (via Tribal Football). He has been a veteran stalwart of the Italian national team and Roma midfield for years.

De Rossi would shore up a fragile position, that was almost always held by Toure.  According to The Sport Review, De Rossi and Roma both state that they have not been contacted by City, but De Rossi’s contract ends this summer and Roma may be inclined to receive some fee for him if he leaves.

De Rossi still hasn’t signed a new deal, and could be signed on a bosman (pre-contract for the summer), during the January period.

Odds that he goes to City: 5-to-1

Eden Hazard

The Belgian winger has quickly become one of the top young players in Europe—courtesy of a couple of blistering seasons with Lille, who were Ligue 1 champions last season.

This season is almost certain to be his last in France, however. He has acknowledged that he wants to expand his profile by joining more illustrious leagues, perferrably in La Liga.

A big transfer suitefee, however, will be what Lille are looking for, and no club in the world is better suited to fulfilling such monetary requirements than City. Hazard would also undoubtedly improve the team. Adam Johnosn and Samir Nasri are the key wingers at the club at the moment, and neither have exactly set England on fire.

City may very well be prepared to shell out the 40 million pounds that Lille wants, and will definitely be among the favorites to grab him.

Odds that he goes to City: 10-to-1

Wesley Sneijder

The Dutch mid was among United’s key targets this summer, but wage and transfer complications prevented his move. Now, City could be prepared to grab the Inter superstar from under their rivals' noses.

While a proposed deal to swap Sneijder for the embattled Carlos Tevez was recently scuppered, Sneijder would almost certainly walk into City’s current lineup, and Mancini will certainly have an eye on him. With the Blues prepared to offer a big transfer fee and generous player wages, this is a distinct possibility—this summer if not this month.

Odds that he goes to City: 8-to-1

Wayne Rooney

Long been a heated rival of the “noisy neighbors”, Rooney recently had a bust up with illustrious manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and may soon look to leave a sinking ship at Old Trafford, according to 7Cantonas. 

During the summer, Rooney was promised greater talent would be added to the squad as he signed a new five-year deal, yet he seems disappointed in the direction the squad is going. Despite the fact that United and Rooney, have released a statement via stuff.co condoning the Independent’s report that Rooney would be leaving United, an addition of this magnitude would definitely help a depleted City squad.

He may not join this window, but don’t be surprised if he joins in the summer.

Odds he goes to City: 50-to-1