Pep Guardiola has recalled James McAtee to his first team this summer and City have knocked back bids for him. Guardiola says that McAtee can play where De Bruyne can while the Belgian is out, but he has played just one minute since the start of the season. Similarly, Oscar Bobb has been promoted to the senior squad, but hasn’t played a minute yet so a decision may have to be made on where he plays his football this season – especially if Nunes or Eze arrive after Doku.

Finally, Cole Palmer impressed in the Super Cup and can play on either wing or through the middle. However, he admitted he could look to leave if City sign a ‘replacement’ for De Bruyne, and Guardiola said if he did leave it would be permanent rather than on loan. If that decision is made, it would benefit Palmer to be made this week.