10 Rumoured January Transfer Targets for Manchester City

On paper, it can quite easily be argued that Manchester City have the strongest squad in the Premier League, yet they find themselves, after nine games, seventh in the table, six points off leaders Arsenal. Their form away from home has been hampered by a string of poor defensive and goalkeeping errors.

Despite their summer outlay, which topped £90 million (via The Telegraph), it would seem City still have holes in their side that need filling. Inevitably, there has already been speculation about new arrivals in January.

Here are 10 names who have been linked so far.

1: Julian Draxler

Gary Jones of The Daily Star recently reported that Schalke's 20-year-old attacking midfielder Julian Draxler is on City's radar, with Chelsea and Arsenal also rumoured to be interested.

However, Schalke have insisted that no move in January will take place, and that Draxler will have to wait until next summer for a move to materialise.

Draxler scored an impressive 13 goals last season and is thought to be valued at around £25 million. A player with a lethal long-range strike, he also possesses the ability to go past players and create chances for others.

It may not be the area City need strengthening the most, but top quality young players are always highly sought after signings.

It seems there are a number of Premier League clubs ready to test Schalke's resolve in the coming transfer window.

2: Diego Godin

Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin is reportedly on Manuel Pellegrini's wish list (via The Express). The 27-year-old defender worked under Pellegrini during a successful spell at Villarreal and it's thought that the City boss wants to bring the Uruguayan to Manchester. 

Competition comes in the way of Borussia Dortmund, who are said to be interested in signing him if Neven Subotic leaves the club. Godin is a right-footed defender who has 18 months remaining on his current deal.

He has made 71 appearances for Uruguay and is a guaranteed starter at Atletico.

3: Robert Lewandowski

Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires next summer, is rumoured to be interesting City, with The Mirror suggesting they could be willing to let Edin Dzeko return to the Bundesliga as part of the deal.

It has long been suggested that Bayern Munich had agreed a deal for the Polish striker, but confirmation of that has yet to emerge.

In fact, Jack Wilson at The Express recently reported that the player has been offered to Premier League clubs for a fee of just £7 million in an attempt to stop him joining Bayern.

At just 25, he's scored 60 league goals and won two league titles in his time at Dortmund and is one of the most highly-rated strikers in Europe.

This season alone he has three goals in three games in the Champions League and six in ten Bundesliga games.

4: Eliaquim Mangala

City's need for some defensive reinforcements seems obvious given the fact Javi Garcia, a midfielder by trade, has been called upon to play centre-back numerous times already this season.

Eliaquim Mangala, Porto's 22-year-old French international, may just be the answer.

A powerful defender, Mangala made 30 Primeira Liga appearances last season and was a vital part of a defence that conceded just 14 goals. He also weighed in with seven goals himself and poses a serious threat from corners.

According to The Daily Star, City may well be interested in Mangala's services. He's a player whose attributes make him a perfect fit for the Premier League.

5: Blaise Matuidi

According to The Express, City are set to battle Chelsea for the signing of Blaise Matuidi, who is yet to agree a new deal with PSG.

His current deal runs out in the summer, and the two Premier League sides are said to be eager to agree a pre-contract agreement with the 26-year-old.

The midfielder has 15 caps for France and is highly rated in his homeland. His passing is exceptional (91 percent success rate this season), and he's managed two league goals in 11 matches so far this term.

If Matuidi were to arrive at City, it would surely signal the end of Javi Garcia, who has failed to settle since his move last summer.

6: Willy Caballero

With Joe Hart's woeful form showing little sign of subsiding, a goalkeeper seems certain to arrive at The Etihad in January.

Willy Caballero is a 32-year-old 'keeper currently playing for Malaga. A firm favourite with Pellegrini, many see him as the perfect player to provide healthy competition for Hart.

He has kept four clean sheets in the league already this season and kept 12 in 2012/13.

According to The Mail, Malaga may be willing to sell, with the player himself aware of City's interests, saying: "I spoke to Pellegrini before he left Malaga. I know of his intention to take me with him but I was unsure whether he would stick with the goalkeepers he had or play me."

7: Zakaria Bakkali

Zakaria Bakkali is a 17-year-old winger currently plying his trade for PSV Eindhoven.

Bakkali became the youngest player in Eredivisie history to score a hat-trick when he scored three outstanding goals against NEC Nijmegen, and he has already made his debut for the exciting Belgium national side.

He's made just nine league appearances and played two Europa League games but already his talent has drawn scouts from all over Europe to see him play. Predominantly right footed but comfortable with either, he enjoys cutting in from the left.

The Daily Star believes City, Arsenal and Chelsea are interested. This would be a signing for the future, with an immediate loan likely if a deal with PSV was struck.

8: Asmir Begovic

Asmir Begovic has proven himself to be one of the best performing goalkeepers in the Premier League in recent seasons and could be a sensible move for City in January.

The Manchester Evening News believe Stoke City may be willing to sell their stopper if the right offer comes along.

He is 26, growing in stature and has experience in the Premiership. He kept 12 clean sheets last season and has three already this. A battle with Joe Hart for supremacy as City's No. 1 could bring the best out of both players.

9: Victor Valdes

Victor Valdes, the Barcelona and Spain goalkeeper, is out of contract in the summer and is certain to leave. The Express believe Monaco are favourites to land him, with Valdes quoted as saying: "Ligue 1 attracts me a lot—Monaco or elsewhere in France."

No deal has yet been announced and City would be foolish not to express an interest. Valdes is an excellent 'keeper who has huge experience.

10: Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas, one of the finest goalkeepers in the history of the game, has lost his place at Real Madrid and should, in my opinion, be City's top target this transfer window.

He no longer plays La Liga games, with Diego Lopez firmly Madrid's first-choice 'keeper. It's a situation that seems at odds with Casillas' ability, and one that may see him look elsewhere for his football.

He has 150 caps for Spain, is a World and European Championship winner, and has won two Champions League and five La Liga titles during his illustrious career.

TalkSPORT believe he has a gentleman's agreement with Madrid's president Florentino Perez that states he can leave Madrid if he hasn't won his place back come January.