Inside the Window: Manchester City on the Hunt for a Midfielder

We are heading into the final two weeks of the January transfer window, so who will press the panic button first?

This is the time in the season when spur-of-the-moment signings emerge, as managers attempt to save their own jobs—and club officials throw huge sums of money around in a bid to change their fortunes.

Inside the Window is the B/R column that goes behind the curtain to reveal exactly what is shaping up in the world's biggest leagues.

Our top story this week focuses on Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola weighs up whether to give his side a title boost.

William Carvalho to Rescue Pep Guardiola?

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Pep Guardiola is looking to sign a new midfielder, with Sporting CP's William Carvalho one of the names on his wanted list.

There is concern about Manchester City's position, and Guardiola is considering how he can rectify their problems.

I understand it is the centre of the park that Guardiola has highlighted as a major worry, and he is on the lookout for a long-term defensive midfielder.

Target Carvalho has an effortless style of play and has been compared to Patrick Vieira, but a deal to sign him this month would not prove straightforward.

West Bromwich Albion have been looking into a deal to sign him for a while. Predictably, I'm told there has also been a recent offer from China.

Ilkay Gundogan is out for the rest of this season with a cruciate knee ligament injury, and the absence of Fernandinho through suspension has highlighted the lack of depth in terms of a dependable midfield figure.

Guardiola has to accelerate his rebuild of the squad, and it should come as no surprise that after a slump in form, City officials are willing to give their manager a January transfer kitty.

Robbie Brady Set for Premier League

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Burnley believe they will win the race to sign midfielder Robbie Brady.

Norwich City realise they are now likely to lose him before deadline day so are holding out for as much cash as possible.

Brady, 25, has been hotly pursued, with Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Aston Villa all interested.

Sunderland were hopeful, but sources have suggested to me that the player is not keen on the move, and of all the options open to him, he is angling towards Burnley.

The biggest hurdle for manager Sean Dyche is agreeing a fee, but Burnley are hopeful it can be tied up for around £12 million.

Could Nathan Ake Leave Chelsea on Loan Again?

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Chelsea should prepare themselves for enquiries about Nathan Ake's future role at Stamford Bridge.

Bournemouth were disappointed when the defender was recalled from a loan spell on the south coast, particularly as he was not even a substitute for their match against Leicester at the weekend.

Blues manager Antonio Conte has suggested he needs time to settle back in at Chelsea, but that will not stop other top-flight clubs asking about his availability going forward.

One of the sides interested in him is West Ham United, and they will make a move for Ake if there are any signs that he could be allowed out on another short-term deal.

Ake, 21, made 10 appearances for Bournemouth this season and scored three times.

Everton's Interest in Kostas Manolas

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Everton are serious about their interest in Roma defender Kostas Manolas.

Toffees manager Ronald Koeman has a promise that the club will match his ambitions in the transfer market and their pursuit of Manolas is a sign of their intent.

Sky Italia reported the story this month, and B/R sources have confirmed that he is someone the club are keen on.

The Greece international is a crucial member of the Roma side currently sitting second in Serie A, though, so they do not want to lose him. Manolas has started 16 of their 20 league matches, only missing out when struggling with injury.

Ross McCormack Not Fitting in at Villa

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Ross McCormack has struggled to settle at Aston Villa—and the door is open for him to move on.

McCormack made a summer switch from Fulham for £12 million when Roberto Di Matteo was in charge, but it seems he is going to struggle for a regular role.

Steve Bruce has since taken charge, and sources close to the situation have indicated that McCormack does not fit into his forward plans at Villa Park.

Villa realise they will struggle to find a new club for McCormack, particularly due to his wages.

But they feel an agreement could yet be struck with Fulham if they make their interest known.

Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic is understood to be open to the idea of taking him back, but it is not a top priority.