Enzo Maresca has revealed that Manchester City are looking to add more senior players this month after losing a wealth of experience over the summer.
The departures of Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake cost City almost 1,000 collective appearances, leaving Maresca keen to bring in seasoned reinforcements.
"Fortunately this is a squad that doesn't need to do many things," Maresca said. "At the same time, as we already know the club lost important players in terms of experience like Bernardo, John and Nathan."
City are progressing in a deal to sign Lille's teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, which would follow the £116million capture of Elliot Anderson as the club reshapes its midfield.
Real Madrid are pushing to sign Rodri this summer, with the Spain international open to a move, leaving Maresca mindful of the need for older heads to retain balance in the squad. Rodri has been a key figure in City's midfield since joining from Atletico Madrid.
Wingers and full-back targets
City have also been actively looking at wingers, with a right back high on the agenda as well. Maresca is an admirer of Chelsea's Malo Gusto, while Pedro Neto has also been linked with a move.
Deals being worked through in South Korea
Director of football Hugo Viana has flown to South Korea for the second leg of City's tour and is juggling a number of different deals, with Tottenham Hotspur wanting Savinho. Veteran Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli is expected to sign once James Trafford's switch to Leeds United is finalised.
"Hugo is here, also (chief executive) Ferran (Soriano) is here and we just try to speak day by day to see if we need to do something," Maresca added. "For sure, there are things that we need to do. We are in communication every day. The transfer window is open and when it's open anything can happen."
Foden pushes for leadership role
At 26, Phil Foden is one of the club's senior stars now and has raised his hand to be included in the captaincy group. Foden wore the armband for the weekend draw with Inter in Hong Kong. City generally operate with a four or five-man captaincy group, usually ratified after the transfer window closes.
"I have to be really," Foden said when asked if he will be considered a leader. "I've been at the club for so long, I'm one of the longest here. So this season I have to be one of the leaders, one of the captains. I'm looking forward to that new responsibility and trying to take leadership."
Heat warning ahead of K-League friendly
City's friendly with the K-League All Stars is set to be staged amid a local government warning of excessive heat. Players were greeted in South Korea by an emergency alert on their smartphones, issued when temperatures are forecast to reach 38C or higher.
