The talk of exits from the Etihad has ramped up again in recent days. Manuel Akanji could be heading off to Galatasaray, Nathan Ake has been linked with a Premier League switch, and Ilkay Gundogan could yet depart after one season back at Manchester City .

With the September 1 deadline looming, City's need to sell players and trim a bloated squad, particularly in the centre of defence and midfield, has come into sharper focus. Pep Guardiola would have wanted his sizeable first-team squad reduced by now.

Instead, he is having to juggle his options. At Wolves last week, some decisions were made for him. The absence of Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Savinho due to injury helped create room in the squad, while Rodri and Phil Foden were left out as their returns are carefully managed

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