It’s been a disappointing few weeks for Manchester City, who were not only dumped out the Champions League yet again before the quarter-final stage, but have seen their hopes of regaining the Premier League come to an abrupt halt.

After being outclassed by Barcelona, they momentarily found themselves in danger of falling out of the top four having fallen behind Arsenal and Manchester City in the table, but eased those fears with a valuable win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

But with pressure growing on Manuel Pellegrini and his ageing squad, there is expected to be plenty of change at the Etihad this summer with some high-profile exits on the cards and new signings in the pipeline.

The club are thought to be looking towards talented English players as part of their summer recruitment in order to fulfil the home-grown quota of players for next season’s Champions League, should they make it that is, and there’s a number of stars that have been linked with a move to the reigning champions during the transfer window.

And with this in mind, here are five English stars that could be high on Manchester City’s shopping list this summer...

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Theo Walcott

Since returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, Theo Walcott has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal. And with just over a year left on his contract his future at the Emirates is in some doubt.

The forward is keen to get back playing regularly and may feel he needs to move in order to do so.

While he has been heavily linked to Liverpool in recent weeks, Manchester City are also thought to be monitoring the situation and could give Arsenal the chance to cash in on the England star with a bid this summer.

Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling put all of England’s top clubs on standby after refusing to sign a new contract at Liverpool recently and could be set for a move away from Anfield if Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Sterling has emerged as one of the league’s brightest talents over the past couple of seasons, and with his current deal set to run out in 2017, Liverpool are in danger of losing another star player.

City are reportedly one of the favourites to sign the 20-year-old, who are said to have made him on of their key targets this summer in a deal that could cost upwards of £50m.

Ross Barkley

Despite failing to produce the same level of football that saw him become a huge hit for Everton last season, Ross Barkley is still one of English footballs hottest properties, and remains a target for last year’s champions.

With the future of some of their star midfielders in doubt, Barkley has been targeted to add some much need energy in the middle of park and could be the subject of another large bid this summer.

The Blues are desperate to keep the youngster and have put a £50m price tag on him to try and fend off interest. While he may be advised to stay at Everton for a little while longer, the lure of City may prove too much for 21-year-old should they come calling.

Jay Rodriguez

Jay Rodriguez certainly won’t have fond memories of the Etihad Stadium after picking up a terrible knee injury at the back end of last season that put an end to his World Cup hopes.

The cruciate knee injury has kept him out of action all season, but this hasn’t kept him out of the minds of City who have kept him on their radar.

It’s thought he could cost in excess of £20m should they look to prize him away from the South coast, but some impressive performances last season showed he could certainly be a useful addition to their Champions League squad.

Jack Wilshere

Arsenal must be fed up of Manchester City after the Blues have taken a number of their star men from their grasp in recent years. But they may not be done yet, and the next one that could swap London for Manchester is Jack Wilshere.

City are thought to be lining up a move for the midfielder this summer, and if willing to meet Arsenal’s valuation of £25m could well be in with a chance of landing the 23-year-old.

Wilshere once again has been plagued by injury this season which could well tempt Arsenal to cash in on the England star, but there’s no doubting that when on form he is one of the best midfielders in the division and one that would really improve the City team.