Saturday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Erling Braut Haaland, David Alaba, Youri Tielemans

The January transfer window is now open, with Manchester City continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

Pep Guardiola's side have endured an inconsistent first half of the season and could look to dip their toe into the transfer market again despite a relatively big-spending summer.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Saturday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester City 'intent on signing a new striker this summer'

© Reuters

Manchester City will reportedly prioritise signing a new centre-forward during this summer's transfer window.

Sergio Aguero's contract at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire this summer, and the 32-year-old could be allowed to leave on a free transfer, having struggled with injuries in 2020-21.

Gabriel Jesus has only scored two Premier League goals this season, meanwhile, and head coach Pep Guardiola has recently favoured playing a false nine, with Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez among those to be used through the middle.

According to the Manchester Evening News, City's priority ahead of the 2021-22 campaign is to sign a new striker, with Guardiola content with his options in defence and midfield.

The report does not mention any targets, but Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland has recently been strongly linked with a move to the Manchester giants.

The 20-year-old has been in excellent form for Dortmund during the current season, finding the back of the net on 21 occasions in 19 appearances at club level, but the Norway international might not be allowed to leave until the summer of 2022, when a release clause in his contract can be activated.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are also all believed to be interested.

Manchester City 'not interested in signing David Alaba'

© Reuters

Manchester City are reportedly not interested in signing David Alaba despite the recent speculation surrounding the Bayern Munich defender.

Alaba's contract at the Allianz Arena is due to expire this summer, and the versatile defender is widely expected to leave the European champions in search of pastures new.

A number of clubs, including Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United, have been credited with an interest in the Austria international.

Meanwhile, a recent report claimed that City were preparing to offer Alaba a lucrative contract in the hope of luring him to the Etihad Stadium.

However, according to the Manchester Evening News, City are not interested in the 28-year-old due to the options that they currently have in a defensive position.

Madrid are thought to be the favourites to sign the nine-time Bundesliga winner, who remains a key player for Bayern despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

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