Latest developments
- Manchester City are interested in Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich.
- The 29-year-old could provide City with cover for Rodri.
- Kimmich could be joined in the City midfield by Martin Zubimendi.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Little more than speculation
Man City could turn to Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich as a replacement for the injured Rodri, as Pep Guardiola's men desperately look to salvage their season.
A potential deal is being mooted by talksport.com, not one of the leading lights for transfer gossip, and their discussion is just speculative at the moment, with no formal talks held so far.
Value (4.5/5): Worth paying over the odds
One of the most respected defensive midfielders in the game for several years now who can also do a job at right-back, Kimmich is a UEFA Champions League winner and is within touching distance of 100 caps for Germany.
He will turn 30 in February but looks capable of staying at the top for years to come, let alone the half-season when City need cover. Valued at around £42 million, it would be money well spent by the Citizens. Kimmich is out of contract in the summer, but City's desperation won't help them get a discount!
Suitability (4.5/5): An expert in problem positions
As well as the gaping hole left by Rodri, City are never far away from a crisis at right-back, where 34-year-old Kyle Walker has had injury issues of his own. It might be a bit much for Kimmich to cover two positions at once, but if anyone can, he can!
If City also sign Martin Zubimendi to bolster their midfield, he and Kimmich can run the show at the Etihad.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Not just for the short-term
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is clearly the best player in his position in the world, so we can only consider Kimmich an upgrade while the Spaniard is nursing his ACL.
Once Rodri returns, he and Kimmich could form a great holding midfield partnership, which would be a serious upgrade on the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic.
Logic (2.5/5): What's in it for Kimmich?
On course for a ninth Bundesliga title and another crack at the Champions League title, there appears to be little reason for Kimmich to jump ship next season anywhere, but especially to a club that is experiencing its worst period of form in decades.
Whisper+ verdict: 17/25
Replacing the top defensive midfielder in the world for one of the most consistent in the last decade looks like a perfect idea for Man City. Can they convince the Bavarians to sell and Kimmich to join? It won't be easy!
