Manchester City’s defence has already been spoken about endlessly regarding the upcoming summer transfer window.

Still looking weak at the back, a goalkeeper, a centre-back and at least two full-backs are a necessity for the new season. Injuries to Vincent Kompany along with an ageing quartet of wide options have seen Pep Guardiola name some rather imaginative defences.

Although Bacary Sagna and Fernandinho have been solid in the full-back positions on occasion of late, two starting, energetic wing-backs are required for next season. The wide defenders are a huge part of how Guardiola wants his sides to play, so they need great stamina and strong tactical understanding to play a number of roles. The inverted wing-backs of his Bayern Munich days could yet return next season, too.

Signing full-backs might not make for the most glamorous of gossip column murmurings, but it has to be City’s priority this summer. There are options aplenty around the European game at the moment, including these THREE candidates…

Djibril Sidibe

Manchester City saw plenty of Djibril Sidibe in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash with Monaco.

They saw the best and worst of him, as he was caught out defensively by the blistering Leroy Sane, but offered a threat going forward. His 2.7 tackles and 1.8 interceptions completed-per-Ligue-1-game show his defending is often more solid it was on that occasion, though.

His overall game is well-rounded and Sidibe has the attacking credentials to be a great addition for Manchester City. A dangerous ball carrier down the flank and with an eye for a defence-splitting pass, the Monaco man has the quality to become a Manchester City stalwart.

Benjamin Henrichs

Comfortable as a left or right full-back, Henrichs has only just turned 20, but already boasts Champions League experience.

A regular for a struggling Bayer Leverkusen side this season, he has been a true standout player from right-back.

His full-back partner, Wendell, could also be a target for Pep Guardiola’s side. The Brazilian scored a stunning free-kick at the weekend and the pair both possess the pace and engines to cover plenty of ground down the flanks for City.

The prospect of Henrichs dovetailing with Leroy Sane or Raheem Sterling on the wing is a terrorising thought one for Premier League defences.

Jose Gaya

Valencia, like Bayer Leverkusen, are having a woeful season. Currently in the bottom half of La Liga, the turmoil at the club continues to make headlines as their on-pitch fortunes disappoint on an almost a weekly basis.

Jose Gaya has work to do on his defensive game, despite completing 2.4 tackles-per-league-match, yet it's offensively where he is a real potential star. With the pace to leave his markers behind and the technical ability to function as an additional attacking outlet, he could be the ideal left-back to work with Leroy Sane.

Happy carrying the ball or playing swift one-twos, Gaya should be a player City consider this summer.