Manchester City transfer news: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is linked whilst Pep Guardiola sets sights on defensive reinforcements

THINGS haven’t exactly gone to plan for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in recent weeks.

With defeats to Leicester City and Chelsea in their last two Premier League outings, the Citizens have slipped to fourth in the table, seven points off top spot.

It’s been clear lately that Guardiola doesn’t trust the full-backs currently at his disposal and, despite having spent around £170million on new recruits in the summer, further reinforcements will be sought when the transfer window re-opens in January.

With that in mind, have analysed the top five Manchester City transfer rumours on their index, which rates the likelihood of them happening based on reports from across the world.

Aston Villa's full back Jordan Amavi is likely to join Manchester City

Guardiola’s desire to bring in a top-quality full-back has become well known lately.

But Aston Villa left-back Jordan Amavi is perhaps not the most obvious name being linked with a move to the blue half of Manchester.

After joining the Villains from Nice in 2015, Amavi missed the majority of last season due to a knee injury.

Despite his struggles in England, the 22-year-old remains highly-rated thanks to his impressive displays in France, and City could make a January move, even if Amavi recently reiterated his commitment to Villa.

Elseid Hysaj is another full back  who could join City

Albanian international Elseid Hysaj is regarded as one of the finest right-backs in Serie A, having impressed for Napoli since joining the club in 2015.

With Guardiola desperate to improve his options in the full-back areas, the Daily Star reported recently that City are set to rival interest from United and Chelsea in the 22-year-old.

Given his age, pedigree and reported price tag of £20million, Hysaj would represent a good long-term option for City as they look to replace Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could finally land a big-money move away from Borussia Dortmund

France-born, Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has made no secret of his desire to play for Real Madrid in the near future.

But with the European Champions banned from making any signings during the next two transfer windows, could City steal a march in the race to capture the Borussia Dortmund star?

Aubameyang, who has enjoyed a tremendous start to the season with 18 goals and five assists for BVB, was linked with a potential switch to the Etihad in the summer.

The Express have reported that City will have to smash their club transfer record with a £75million bid if they intend to renew their interest in the lightning-fast striker.

Another striker linked with a move is Porto's

Porto striker Andre Silva has become one of the hottest properties in European football this season, and City are the latest club to be linked with a big-money move for the 21-year-old.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported recently that the Premier League side have sent scouts to run the rule over the talented youngster ahead of a potential bid.

Silva is enjoying a breakthrough campaign at the Estadio Dragao this season, having scored 13 goals in 19 games. He has even managed to transfer his prolific form to international level where he has netted four goals in five appearances since making his Portugal debut.

He won’t come cheap though. Silva reportedly has a €60million release clause and Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all said to be interested.

City are one of many clubs linked with Southampton star Virgil van Dijk

Since joining Southampton in the summer of 2015, Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk has become one of the most wanted players in the Premier League, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton all linked with £30million-plus bids for the 25-year-old.

And now City have joined the chase for the former Celtic star. The Sun reported last week that van Dijk’s preference would be to move to the Etihad to work under Guardiola.

With the Citizens’ recent struggles as the back, signing a player of van Dijk’s calibre would be a very astute move.