Manchester City are reportedly closing in on an agreement for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.
The Premier League champions continue to have problems at the back with Aymeric Laporte's absence due to a knee injury considerably harming the team.
Holding midfielder Fernandinho has been pressed into action alongside John Stones in central defence, while Nicolas Otamendi has struggled to impress when called upon despite scoring against Manchester United last weekend.
City, Chelsea and United were all thought to be considering moves for Umtiti, who is no longer first choice at Barca due to the presence of Clement Lenglet.
However, according to L'Equipe, City are in pole position to land the 2018 World Cup winner in a £46m deal, which could go through when the January transfer window opens for business.
Umtiti, who has struggled to overcome a troublesome knee problem, was an ever-present at Barca during his first two seasons at the club but has since lost his starting role.
City are currently 14 points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table.
Matt Law
