Manchester City could make a surprise loan move for Schalke midfielder Sebastian Rudy this month.
The German international has struggled for the Bundesliga club this season, starting just seven league games.
City lost back-to-back games to Crystal Palace and Leicester over Christmas without deep-lying midfielder Fernandinho.
The 33-year-old is vital to the Citizens’ title hopes and boss Pep Guardiola wants cover in his position.
The Sun report that Schalke could be willing to let Rudy head out on loan, but only if a fee is involved.
Guardiola knows Rudy well from his time in Germany.
The 28-year-old starred for Hoffenheim and earned a big move to Bayern Munich in 2017.
And despite starting 16 league games, the Bavarians allowed him to join Schalke on a permanent deal last summer.
City are keeping tabs on Wolves’ Ruben Neves and West Ham’s Declan Rice with Rudy being viewed as a short-term solution for their lack of cover in the defensive midfield area.