A potential exit for Phillips could see City move for a new midfield option in the January window – despite the summer signings of Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes.

Both players are yet to kickstart their careers under Pep Guardiola so far in the 2023-24 campaign.

Meanwhile, a new striker could also be on the agenda should Erling Haaland suffer complications in his battle against a bone stress reaction in his foot.

Haaland has scored 19 goals across 22 games in all competitions this season – his second campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

It is believed funds are available for potential additions in January – even if there are no immediate plans for Guardiola to dip into the market.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Man City prefer to do business in the summer window when they can pursue their top targets.

But the Citizens could be forced into the market should they fall further behind title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.

Guardiola’s side currently sit fourth in the table, four points behind the league-leading Merseysiders.