Man City are looking to compete with Manchester United to capture the signing of promising Benfica defender Ruben Dias, according to reports.
Both Manchester sides' defensive frailties have been well documented this season but City are probably suffering the most, despite being 10 places above their neighbours in the Premier League table.
City opted not to replace departed captain Vincent Kompany in the summer which had already left them short on numbers and when injuries befell Aymeric Laporte and John Stones things got even worse.
Pep Guardiola has been forced to use Fernandinho as a make-shift defender to partner his only fit, senior centre-back in Nicolas Otamendi - with youngsters Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis the only reserves.
The result has been costly with City slipping eight points behind Liverpool in the title race after their worst league start under Guardiola.
Despite signing Harry Maguire for £80million in the summer - after City decided to pull out of the race - United are still struggling and are slumped in 12th after a series of disheartening results.
It appears that United need to prioritise other areas of the pitch first, especially attack and midfield, but they continue to be strongly linked with defenders to partner Maguire.
One of which is Dias, though the Daily Mirror reports that City have 'joined the race' and 'are considering a January bid.'
The 22-year-old had a great season last year as he was an ever present in a Benfica side the claimed the Portuguese title and then helped his country become the inaugural Nations League champions.
It's reported that City have an 'interest' in Dias and that his release clause in Lisbon is £59million.
Meanwhile, United have ‘moved’ for Brescia’s young midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to reports.
FcInterNews claims that, following a long-standing interest in the 19-year-old midfielder, United are ready to bid, with Borussia Dortmund also named as an interested club.
Tonali - who is reportedly valued at €35m - has impressed with his performances in Serie A this season, after helping Brescia to win Serie B in the previous campaign. United are in desperate need of a midfield player to bolster their options. AC Milan and Roma are also mentioned in relation to him.
Finally, City manager Pep Guardiola desperately wants to sign Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz - according to reports.
The Spaniard has emerged as one of the Italian side’s most important players after joining from Real Betis.
Calciomercato claim that City have entered the race to sign him and believe Guardiola has contacted Napoli for more information on the playmaker.
