Which Manchester City Stars Are in Danger of Leaving This Summer?

With Manchester City's season in danger of completely imploding after their 4-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday left them marooned in fourth place, it looks set to be a summer of change at the Etihad. 

Whether Manuel Pellegrini, the City manager, will still be in charge going into next season remains in serious doubt given the eight defeats in 15 games he's overseen, but regardless of the manager situation, there'll be plenty of alterations to the first-team squad. 

City have lacked pace this season, and with many of the core of their side now edging towards 30, it's time the club rebalanced the squad and injected some youth into its makeup. 

That means players will leave. The exits of Micah Richards, Alvaro Negredo and Scott Sinclair will be rubber-stamped, but there are likely to be a few who join them. 

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

James Milner is high up the list, given he is yet to agree a new contract extension. With his current deal set to expire in June, it seems increasingly unlikely he will be around beyond then. 

It will be a huge loss to City. Milner has been one of the few stand-out performers in what's been a dismal season, and Pellegrini recently told Sid Lowe of the Guardian that Milner is a player he has the utmost respect for.

He said: 

"

I’m Milner’s No1 fan. Find me a more complete English player. There are players who’re better technically, yes. Quicker players, yes. Players who head better, yes. But show me one who does all the things Milner does well. There isn’t one.

It’s hard to leave him out. Respect, commitment and performance level: 10/10, fantastic. He’s polyfunctional: full-back – the only position he doesn’t like – attacking midfield, wide. I played him as a forward and the team averaged three goals a game. He gives everything. You leave him on the bench and he’s absolutely furious but watch him during the game: encouraging, shouting, supporting. And in the next training session he kills himself.

"

Milner's work-rate, tenacity, versatility and home-grown status make him hugely popular and valuable. It seems, though, he wants more football and a better chance of playing in central midfield. 

Then there are a handful of players who are contracted, but who would surely be open to offers should any interest materialise. 

Edin Dzeko would be one. The Bosnian striker, so often City's saviour in their most desperate hour of need, has had a poor campaign, scoring just six goals and playing with little inspiration.  

At 29, Dzeko could well be one who is seen as expendable.

He's been a terrific servant, if a little inconsistent, but if the club were to receive an enticing offer, which is a distinct possibility given his reputation across Europe, then it's likely they would consider it. And after Wilfried Bony's January arrival, there's already a physical striker on City's books, meaning the need for Dzeko, in theory at least, has been reduced significantly. 

Samir Nasri, 27, could also be sacrificed. Nasri remains a wonderful talent, brilliant at keeping possession and linking play with his passing and vision, but City are desperate for some pace and spark. 

The Frenchman has looked unhappy in recent weeks, too, marginalised, to an extent, and playing a peripheral role. It would hardly be a surprise if he started next season at a new club. 

And Aleksandar Kolarov is another whose future is in serious doubt after a dreadful campaign. The Serbian has never really had a run of games in which he's been both an attacking force and sound defensively. This season, he's been neither. 

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

With Angelino, City's 18-year-old left-back making a big impression at EDS and academy level, Kolarov's days may also be numbered. They need to solve their left-back problem because it's been an Achilles' heel for too long. 

It may not prove to be the mass clearout some are predicting, but there are likely to be a few players, particularly the older ones, who are fighting for their futures in the remaining games this season. 

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.