Manchester City defender linked with move to La Liga club - all we know so far

Manchester City’s biggest piece of January transfer business to date has seen them sell Ferran Torres to Barcelona for a fee believed to be around an initial £46m.

There have also been a few loan moves for the club’s emerging talent, but other than that it’s been a quiet window so far with no arrivals expected in the coming weeks.

However, one player who has been linked with a transfer away from the club is left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.

According to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, Real Betis have ‘asked’ about his availability and are interested in a January loan move.

However, since then, reports in Ukraine from vZbirna, translated and relayed by Zorya Londonsk, claim there has been no approach for the player, who is expected to sign a new deal soon with the club.

Can Man City allow Zinchenko to leave?

Zinchenko has missed the last four City games in all competitions, but has played a major role for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.

The 25-year-old featured in four consecutive 90-minute games for City before his absence from the team, including the 7-0 thrashing of Leeds United.

Zinchenko also started in central-midfield during November’s 2-1 home victory over Paris Saint-Germain, and was praised after the game by Guardiola.

The Catalan only has three senior full-backs available to him at present, and City have been forced to play Nathan Ake at left-back on occasion this term.

It’s for that reason it seems unlikely Zinchenko will leave the club in January. If anything, City need more options in defence, not fewer, and the versatile No.11 has performed well this season when called upon.