Manchester City are set for a big summer of spending as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his squad to challenge for a third successive title, on the back of a record-breaking treble winning season.

Transfer strategy is often to sign young players from foreign leagues, as seen with signings of Bernardo Silva et al, but City could look to the English Football League to get some young cheap bargains. 

The last time they took a punt on a Championship player was with Patrick Roberts, who has signed on loan for Norwich City ahead of the 2019/20 season. 

Although that deal didn’t work out as planned for City, Guardiola could look to the EFL to strengthen his squad’s depth and sign some young talents to replace some of the ageing players.

Here, we look at three talents that we think should be on City’s radar this summer.

Do you agree, or can you think of better options? Let us know in the comments.

Kalvin Phillips 

A strange one, but Kalvin Phillips could do a job as a squad player for Manchester City if they aren’t able to force through the signing of a defensive midfielder. 

He fits the mould of a Guardiola midfielder perfectly, and is astute at breaking the lines with his forward passes, so there is no reason why Phillips couldn’t provide cover to Fernandinho next season.

Fernandinho is now 34, so it is inconceivable for him to play every week. At 23, Phillips could do a job for Guardiola’s men for a very low price, if they are concerned about FFP breaches.

James Justin 

With Kyle Walker underperforming on many levels last season, and Brazilian Danilo potentially unsettled due to a lack of game time, City could be in the market for a right back this summer, but FFP may mean they cannot afford to splash huge money on a player like Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Joao Cancelo.

James Justin is just 21, won’t be too expensive, and could be a perfect signing for City in the long run. They could loan him back at first, and it may not work, but taking a gamble on young full backs can pay off - just look at Andy Robertson at Liverpool! 

Jarrod Bowen 

Jarrod Bowen scores goals, he is quick, he is tactically astute, and looks set for a big career in the Premier League.

Whether he is ready for that yet is unknown, but for sure a move to the top flight can’t be far away.

City should look to fight the likes of Tottenham to his signature, as he could blossom into a big player and with the guidance of Guardiola, who knows the heights he could hit.