Manchester City 'have five-man defensive shortlist'

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly lined up a five-man shortlist as he looks to make defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window.

The Premier League leaders were heavily linked with a move for Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk but ultimately lost out to rivals Liverpool, who agreed a world-record, £75m deal for the Dutchman yesterday.

According to the Daily Mail, Guardiola has his eye on another Saints defender, however, with a move for Ryan Bertrand among the current options being explored.

Other names in the frame include West Bromwich Albion's Jonny Evans - also of interest to Arsenal - as well as Inigo Martinez of Real Sociedad and Espanyol duo Aaron Martin and Philipp Max.

City are currently without the services of skipper Vincent Kompany and John Stones, while first-choice left-back Benjamin Mendy is expected to be out until April.