Update: Hugo Viana sent clear Man City transfer demand as James McAtee point made News

The latest Manchester City transfer news as incoming Hugo Viana prepares to start work behind-the-scenes.

Manchester City’s new director of football – Hugo Viana – arrived this week to take up the post full-time – and City fans in The Manchester Evening News comments section have already drawn up a list of priorities to help revitalise a flagging squad and replace the old record-breaking stalwarts.

Viana will have been taking notes on Sunday as he watched a Manchester derby low on quality from both sides, and faces the task of injecting fresh energy into a team that has rarely shown the highs they have achieved in recent seasons. The confirmed departure of Kevin De Bruyne at the end of the season could be answered with a transfer if the club feel that the likes of Phil Foden and Omar Marmoush could be better used elsewhere.

Whoever takes on De Bruyne’s mantle would likely appreciate seeing some younger legs around them, too; Rodri’s return will be a big boost, but Ilkay Gundogan might be moved on. Right-back continues to be an area of concern with Matheus Nunes struggling, and injury concerns among the rest of the defenders, like John Stones, might force action there, as well.

Florian Wirtz is admired as a replacement for De Bruyne, but as one of the best players in the German Bundesliga, his services won’t come cheap. The sale of James McAtee could offset this. Reader Jheatley writes: “Don’t want to lose McAtee, but if we can get Wirtz for £75m plus McAtee, then it’s a good deal. Throw Gundogan in for free, Two years ago he wasn’t good enough for a two-year contract.”

Commenter Mancityboy agrees to a point: “It could never be good business to lose McAtee, but Pep’s treatment of him this season will probably result in him moving on.”

Morgan Gibbs-White, who has impressed in a high-flying Nottingham Forest side, could be another option. Isse76 disagrees: “Gibbs-White to replace KDB? Gibbs-White is not a playmaker, the only ones near the shadow of KDB is [Jamal] Musiala, [Dani] Olmo and Wirtz. And as I wrote, they can get near the shadow of KDB, not replace him.”

That transfer would be a great option if Foden can’t show more for City, writes Blue.bee.leaf: “I watch Wirtz and Musiala and just think Foden has all that they have, but the missing link is self-belief. [Eberechi] Eze is a bit hit and miss. Great on his day, but inconsistent. Gibbs-White, I’d take in a heartbeat. I love the lad’s ability, and really enjoy the way he gets after a game. He has done it consistently for two years now in the Prem.”

Stand17 would start with a clear-out: “No room for sentiment if City are keen on more records and trophies. So a proper right-back, and one if not two goalkeepers as question marks exist over Ederson and [Stefan] Ortega. Nunes, Gundogan and [Scott] Carson can leave with KDB. [Bernardo] Silva wants to stay, but I’m sure only to leave on a free after next season. Is it worth keeping him? I think not.

“[Mateo] Kovacic should go as he will get limited time once Rodri is back, and this logic applies to McAtee – who has been poorly managed. Question marks exist over Stones, [Nathan] Ake and [Manuel] Akanji, given their injury concerns. Probably two of these three will stay.”

Making sure the players in playing their natural positions is the priority for Bluesince1955: “At a bare minimum we need a RB and a LB, not converted midfielders but proper full-backs. Also need a box-to-box midfielder and a top quality centre-back. What these new signings must have though is pace and physicality – as currently we are being outrun and outfought all over the pitch.”

Have your say! How would approach building Manchester City’s squad for next season? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester City coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get the club’s breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.

And, finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Talking City podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.