Manchester City Transfer Gossip: 6 Players Fans Would Love to See at the Etihad

January was an extremely quiet month for the Barclays Premier League leaders, against the grain of recent high spending trends in East Manchester.  But with Financial Fair Play regulations to contend with, it was no great surprise that David Pizarro, on loan, was the only new body walking through the doors at the Etihad Stadium.

Summer is a different prospect, however, as clubs are more willing to do business in preparation for the coming season.  There are two main areas in which Manchester City are likely to improve: central defence and out wide.

Raul Albiol

January's events reinforced the view that the Blues could do with an extra body on defence.

Africa Cup of Nations duty took Kolo Toure to Gabon while Vincent Kompany served a controversial four-match ban. Nedum Onuoha departed for Queen's Park Rangers, meaning that the only central defenders for the club were Joleon Lescott and Stefan Savic.

Although the club has won every Premier League game in which Savic has bee featured—four starts and six substitute appearances—there is no denying that the Montenegrin is still a very raw prospect.

Raul Albiol has found regular football difficult to come by in Madrid and a move to Manchester to recapture his Valencia form could kick start the defender's somewhat stalled career.

Paul Pogba

The return of Paul Scholes ensured that any potential first team action for Paul Pogba at Manchester United was seriously cut short. Fellow midfielder Ravel Morrison left Trafford shortly after the former England star returned—albeit with a lot more baggage than Pogba—and it would be no real surprise to see the promising youngster leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

While Owen Hargreaves has not been featured as much as expected on his one-year deal and David Pizarro still hopes to impress during his loan spell at The Etihad, there could be an opening for Pogba come this summer.

Eden Hazard

If the Manchester City squad lacks anything, it is a pacey winger for when the opposition bus proves stubborn to break down. Adam Johnson has flickered in and out of the team, but lacks speed and consistency.

Lille's Eden Hazard appears to be on his way to England this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur currently leading the chasing pack. Should Manchester City make a move—especially if they continue on their course to win the Barclays Premier League—Hazard could well be playing in sky blue next season.

Angel Di Maria

Another quick winger option, Angel di Maria took time to transition to a higher standard of league, but has shown himself to be one of the top attacking forces in world football during his time at Real Madrid.

The Argentine is currently in a contract dispute with the La Liga leaders, which could lead to a summer move, but the price tag for one of the world's leading talents would be extortionate and not in keeping with City's efforts to comply with FFP.  However, summer sales could free funds for a move for the explosive winger.

Matias Silvestre

After earning rave reviews during his time at Catania, central defender Matias Silvestre made the move to the Stadio Renzo Barbera just last summer.  The plaudits have continued, with the defender's agent commenting that the Argentine could be available in the next transfer window, should the right team come along.

Alan Carvalho

Superman Returns!

City fans will need no explanation as to why Alan gracing the pitch of the Etihad would be an honour.  Others may need to read this.