Manchester City Transfer Rumors: Top January Storylines for Citizens

Manchester City fell at the Stadium of Light once again in frustrating fashion. The Northeastern venue has not been kind to the Citizens in their recent travels there, and now they see themselves sitting even further behind Manchester United as the new year nears.

Although the club are not expected to be hugely active in the January transfer window, rumors are still milling about that there will be a few ins and outs at the club this coming month.

As the final match day of 2012 approaches this weekend, here is a look at the top news headlines for Manchester City this week:

Jack Butland

Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland has been rumored to be in the advanced stages of making a move to Liverpool. However, according to Metro, the young England international is also a target for Manchester City.

The Citizens are looking to add a solid young backup behind Joe Hart to ensure there is cover for the star as he grows into his career.

Neymar

According to the Telegraph, Manchester City are reported to be making an audacious bid to bring Santos and Brazilian star Neymar to the English Premier League.

The paper claims that the Citizens are looking to spend £32 million to finance the move for the young star striker. However, there have been larger numbers linked to Neymar before, and this could just be another bit of fluff to get the fans riled up, though it is interesting if true.

Mario Balotelli

Manchester City bad boy Mario Balotelli has been linked with moves away from the Etihad for the better part of the current campaign.

According to the Telegraph, several days ago the Italian forward was shown having difficulty wrapping presents, but it appears he is not going to be any team's New Year's gift.

The Mirror is claiming that Balotelli will likely be going nowhere despite a recent link to AC Milan.

Theo Walcott

Since just before Christmas, the Daily Star has linked Arsenal contract rebel Theo Walcott with a move to Manchester City.

With Arsenal seeming to be the supply lines for much of Manchester City's talent in previous seasons, it would seem a high possibility that they would chase Arsene Wenger's latest unhappy player.

However, the real question would be just where Walcott would fit into Man City's system in the long run.

John Guidetti

Despite not having a real chance to shine at the Etihad just yet, Manchester City youngster John Guidetti is one of the brightest young talents in the English Premier League.

According to the Telegraph, there are multiple clubs interested in taking the player on loan in January for the second half of the English Premier League campaign.

One of the most adamant appears to be Aston Villa who will be looking to complete a deal in the coming transfer window.