Manchester City’s Gael Clichy preparing for Etihad exit as Pep Guardiola begins search for a new left back
The former Arsenal defender's contract expires in the summer and he is unlikely to be offered a new deal to extend his stay at the Etihad
MANCHESTER CITY defender Gael Clichy could find himself cast aside in January as Pep Guardiola is handed a £20m cheque to bring in a new left back.
The Spanish boss has convinced director of football Txiki Begiristain to hand over the cash to bring in a replacement and the club are open to offers for Clichy in the meantime.
City's defensive frailties were exposed again on Saturday as they were demolished 4-2 by champions Leicester at the King Power Stadium and Guardiola knows his defence could hamper his hopes for the title.
The 31-year old Frenchman, who made the £7million move to Manchester from Arsenal in 2011, is out of contract at the end of the season and it's thought that he will not be offered any sort of extension.
Begiristain has already sanctioned a £27million deal to bring in Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Jesus, yet still Guardiola has convinced the club to open their cheque book once again to find a left back who can fit into the former Barcelona boss' philosophy.
The likes of Benfica's Alex Grimaldo and Schalke 04's Sead Kolasinac and Tottenham's Danny Rose are all thought to be on Pep's wish list this Christmas.