Stuck in transfer limbo after failing to secure a move away from the Etihad, Scott Sinclair could be granted a January reprieve – but only if he is willing to act as the makeweight in any deal for Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez.
The 25-year-old has emerged as a shock mid-season transfer target for the Citizens, with the club keen to recruit another forward following the last-minute departure of Alvaro Negredo to Valencia.
Rodriguez is currently recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that saw him miss out on featuring at the World Cup for England, but he has nevertheless been the subject of some speculation regarding his future.
Tottenham are thought to be keen on signing the former Burnley striker, with Lilywhites manager Mauricio Pochettino keen to reunite with the forward who thrived under the Argentine last term.
Valued at around £15m by his south coast employers, Rodriguez scored 15 goals in 33 Premier League outings for the Saints last term.
Spurs could face some competition for his services though with City also keen on a deal for the forward.
And the Citizens may have a bargaining chip up their sleeve in Scott Sinclair.
The 25-year-old has made no secret of his desire to play more first-team football in the Premier League and Southampton could be the perfect club for the ex-Swansea star to rediscover his form and earn an England recall.
Ronald Koeman is thought to be on the lookout for high-quality midfield reinforcements and having failed in a bid to bring Andros Townsend to the club, a move for Sinclair could be a possibility
