Aymeric Laporte is confident Fernandinho could fill the void left by Vincent Kompany at the heart of Manchester City's defence, if the club don't sign anyone else.
Pep Guardiola confirmed the champions are looking at 'some names' to replace the departing former captain. However, the City manager was keen to stress they will not pay over the odds for any of their targets and explained that in addition to the current three centre-backs Fernandinho could play there.
Laporte, who established himself as first choice centre back last season, is confident the Brazilian can slot in alongside him at the back.
"It's possible Fernandinho can play there," the 25-year-old said after City's defeat to Wolves on penalties in the Premier League Asia Trophy. "He is a very good player I think he can play wherever he wants so yeah he can play centre back too."
Laporte made 35 appearances in the league last season and is hoping to keep his place as a regular starter in the new campaign, but, would not be drawn on whether the club need to signing him a new partner.
"I don't know if they need to sign someone else," he said. "Ask Pep what he wants. I think the three (himself, Otamendi and Stones) we are putting ourselves forward to play every game but we don't decide the club decides for us.
"I'm here to be a regular starter. So yeah, hopefully it can be the same this year. I'm going to work for that."
And the centre back is also confident the club can replicate last season's success following the arrival of midfielder Rodri over the summer.
"We will try," he said. "I think we have the same team and there's someone else who has come in who can complete the team. We know it will be difficult."
