It's no secret that Pep Guardiola was in the market for a back-up to Fernandinho last summer.
The Napoli midfielder Jorginho was top of the City manager's wish list before he opted for a move to Chelsea, while Mario Lemina and Mateo Kovacic were both considered earlier on in the transfer window.
Ultimately, City ended the summer empty-handed as far as holding midfielders were concerned, with attacker Riyad Mahrez the only major addition Guardiola made to his title-winning squad.
Ilkay Gundogan has filled in for Fernandinho when required this season, while Oleksandr Zinchenko showed promise in the role during Ukraine's recent internationals against Portugal and Luxembourg.
Centre-back Philippe Sandler, City's second-most expensive expensive signing of last summer's window at £2million from PEC Zwolle, has experience playing in the position but he is not ready for regular first-team football.
Guardiola will strengthen again this summer and you suspect the most likely areas he will look to improve will be in holding midfield and at full-back.
Declan Rice and Saul Niguez have both been mooted as potential targets for City this summer but it is dubious whether either of them would be capable alternatives to the Blues' veteran Brazilian.
Rice has been outstanding for West Ham this term but he remains a rookie in the position after making the step up from central defence, while Saul is naturally suited to a role slightly higher up than Fernandinho's.
Saul's Atletico Madrid teammate, the 22-year-old Rodri, has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad and, of the three aforementioned players, he would be the most natural alternative to and eventual replacement for City's No.25.
Why Liverpool FC and Manchester United have been unable to match the lure of Man City 'mercenaries'
Another La Liga player who has been linked with a move to City in the past 12 months is a player Guardiola knows well: Sergio Busquets.
The Spanish midfielder is into his 11th season as a Barcelona regular and while it is not MEN Sport's understanding that a swoop for Busquets is on the cards this summer, the 30-year-old would be a superb acquisition.
Busquets, a La Masia academy product, produced another understatedly fine performance against Manchester United in midweek and he would be a more than able alternative to Fernandinho.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola explains his tactical decisions vs Tottenham
He is an unlikely target but the prospect of linking up with Guardiola, the manager under whom he enjoyed the most successful period of his career, could tempt Busquets to seek pastures new.
After all, Busquets did say last year that he could see himself playing under Guardiola again at a club other than Barcelona.
"He gave me the chance," Busquets said. "He had confidence in me. He made me part of the best Barça in history, in a team with great players and I learned a lot to be a better player.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola gives injury update on Bernardo Silva and Aleks Zinchenko
"I have a special appreciation because of what he's meant for my career, his way of reading games, understand football, giving you the keys, transmitting (his ideas). He's unique.
"I said that I would think about it (leaving Barcelona for Pep) and it's normal that I have him in mind because of his importance on my career."
Three years Fernandinho's junior and unreliant on his pace, Busquets has several years left at the top. City should try their luck.
Man City predicted to keep pressure on Liverpool FC vs Crystal Palace
