Guardiola plans to replace Kompany with Juventus star

Manchester City could snap up Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini in bid to replace injury-prone Vincent Kompany, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Guardiola has complained about a lack of depth at the back this season following the injuries of Komapny and John Stones and sees Chiellini, 33, as the ideal solution to the problem. According to the Uk publication, however, the deal will only happen if the Citizens fail to secure their main winter transfer target – Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti.

Umtiti has a release clause of €60 million but Guardiola could end splashing around £50 million to get him. It is understood Barcelona want to keep the French defender and are working to extend his contract.

Chiellini could cost the Citizens much less – in fact almost half than that – as only agent and player signing fees would be involved. His contract with Juventus runs out at the end of the season.

There has been no official comment from the player or club regarding such a move, but it is understood Juventus want to keep their long-serving defender.

Given his age and the slower pace of Serie A, Chiellini would likely accept any new offers coming from the Old Lady, but the option of gracing the Premier League for the first time in his career might hold some appeal for him.

By securing the depth in defence, Guardiola is looking to put the final stroke on an already impressive title challenge this season. The Citizens currently top the Premier League with a 15-point lead to second Manchester United.