Manchester City are preparing for another tilt at the Premier League title and could now be set to fight some of Europe's heavyweights to sign a premium talent, according to a report.
In surprise fashion, the Blues suffered an early exit from the Club World Cup after a 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the last 16 and all focus at the Etihad Stadium will now revolve around potential incomings and outgoings.
Addressing what squad changes could occur in the aftermath of the tournament, Daily Mail's correspondent Jack Gaughan believes up to eight players could leave Manchester City to make way for reinforcements under Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before the match
He stated: "I think there could be as many as eight going if you include Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips.
"They've got to get rid of four foreign players because of the homegrown problems they've got in the Champions League. If they don't, Guardiola is going to have to leave people out of the squad and he doesn't like doing that."
Of course, a large part of why there are plenty who are now at risk of leaving the club is due to their spate of arrivals between January and the summer, but who else could join Manchester City if all goes to plan?
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before the match Related
Pep's fed up: Man City boss requests signing of £65m star to replace Ederson
Pep Guardiola wants to sign an "incredible" goalkeeper to replace Ederson this summer.
Amid doubts over Ederson's future, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is wanted by Guardiola in what would be a landmark change of the guard between the sticks.
However, it appears that Manchester City aren't just looking to strengthen for the immediate term and a young midfielder has now crept onto their radar after some impressive recent displays.
Manchester City keen to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit
According to Manchester City News, Manchester City are one of many clubs keen on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit after his breakthrough campaign that has led to the Netherlands Under-19 international claiming the UEFA Under-19 European Championship player of the tournament.
Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United provide domestic competition for his signature, while Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Marseille are keeping close tabs on the continent.
Kees Smit in the Eredivisie - 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Chances created
Successful dribbles
Touches in opposition box
Duels won
Recoveries
Journalist Graeme Bailey added some context to the situation, stating: "Kees Smit is a player, a real player I am being told and Manchester City know all about him. Will he leave this summer? That is the question but I think there is a real chance and City do like him – one to keep an eye on."
Last campaign, Smit registered an impressive tally of ten goals and seven assists in 43 matches across all competitions, combining his exploits with Alkmaar's senior side and second string.
While still in the infancy of his career, the Heiloo-born man is a talent on an upward trajectory and Manchester City will hope to convince him that the Etihad is the best place to continue his development.