Update: |Kevin de Bruyne replacement tipped as Man City replacement plan ‘outlined’ News

Manchester City are beginning to prepare for life without Kevin de Bruyne after he announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season

Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White is the calibre of player that Manchester City are targeting to replace Kevin de Bruyne, according to reports.

The iconic Belgian playmaker revealed on Friday that the chapter was closing on his trophy-laden career at the Etihad Stadium. The 33-year-old will be out of contract for Pep Guardiola’s side at the end of the campaign, with his departure coming after a decade of success in the Premier League.

City have endured a disappointing season by their previous dizzying standards as they find themselves in a battle to secure Champions League football.

During the January transfer window, the City hierarchy spearheaded a mini-rebuild with a flurry of signings to reinforce Guardiola’s squad.

Omar Marmoush, Nicolas Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov were among the additions and with the departure of De Bruyne, there becomes an immediate need to introduce a player with the calibre of the Belgian’s creativity and leadership to ensure his absence isn’t so strongly felt.

According to David Ornstein, a player of Gibbs-White’s quality is a player that City are targeting as they draw up their list of attacking options.

He said: “The recruitment will now be centred around a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.

“The likes of Morgan Gibbs-White from the Premier League will be under consideration and on their radar.”

On Friday, De Bruyne announced: “Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading.

“So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.

“Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes.

“That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first.

“Football led me to all of you – and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life.

“This City. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING.

“I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we won everything.

“Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye.

“Suri, Rome, Mason, Michele, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. ‘Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts.

“This will always be our HOME. We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride.

“Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together! Much love, KDB.”