Manchester City are among the favourites to claim the 2016/17 Premier League title and with the squad of players currently at their disposal, who could doubt their credentials?

Pep Guardiola has been tasked with bringing the club a third Premier League title in six years but to do so, his City squad still needs some strengthening in January.

The Citizens have been worryingly weak defensively, so much so that the club have only kept two clean sheets all season. Statistics can sometimes be deceiving, however, as the team have the third best defence in the league - but it's still not where Guardiola aspires to be.

For City to ensure a third Premier League crown comes their way, a few changes are required this January. Guardiola would have already identified key positions needing strengthening, but where do City fall short?

Here are FIVE signings the Citizens could make this winter to push on and claim the title...

Alex Sandro

According to the Daily Mirror, Manchester City were chasing Alex Sandro all summer before he opted for a move to Juventus.

The same report suggested Guardiola has earmarked Sandro as his long-term left-back, and what a signing he could be especially with Guardiola's constant changing of the formation.

Sandro has been one of Juventus' best performers this season, and unlike any of the current left-backs at City, the Brazilian can both attack and defend with equal quality.

Fabinho

Along with left-back, City's biggest outstanding issue remains the uncertainty surround the ageing right-backs the club currently possesses.

For City to end their turbulent issues on the right side of defence, they must be considering a move for versatile, Brazil and Monaco star Fabinho.

The Sun have reported the interest is already present from the club and despite being cup-tied in the Champions League, Fabinho could be ideal for City's long-term ambitions.

Virgil van Dijk

Reports recently suggested Guardiola is planning to strengthen the central defensive area of his City side following the long-term injury issues of Vincent Kompany.

The Daily Mail claim that City are planning a swoop for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutch defender having been identified as a replacement for Kompany.

Van Dijk has been sensational for the Saints this campaign and a move to City may appeal to him while his stock is high.

Mahmoud Dahoud

Syrian-born German midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud has been linked with a move to the Citizens recently by German publication BILD.

Dahoud's energy and passing range perfectly suit Guardiola's system, and he could be the ideal replacement for Fernandinho.

City's midfield is already impressive, but Dahoud would strengthen it even further.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Question marks still surround the ability of Claudio Bravo, and with the Chile international touching 34, City must be considering their long-term options this winter.

AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been likened to Gianluigi Buffon in recent months as the 17-year-old shot-stopper continues to display his credentials for the Serie A giants AC Milan despite his age.

If Bravo continues to disappoint for the Citizens, then a winter move for the most promising young goalkeeper in world football may not be a bad option.