Manchester City are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup after their 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United on Friday evening.

Goals from Yaya Toure, a Havard Nordtveit own goal, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and John Stones means that they will face an away trip to either Bolton Wanderers or Crystal Palace at the next stage of the competition.

Pep Guardiola’s side’s next match in the Premier League is away to Everton. City are currently fourth in the league table and a win at Goodison Park could see them move up to second – dependant on other results.

The Sky Blues’ defensive record has been quite poor in the league this season. They have on average conceded over a goal a game in their Premier League campaign. Club captain Vincent Kompany has been again struggling with injury this season and Guardiola is still trying to work out what his best defensive combination is.

With their current issues, Guardiola may look to bolster his defence in this window.

Shoot! looks at two defenders Manchester City should sign in this month’s transfer window…

Jose Fonte

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The Southampton captain has already told the club that he wants to leave in this window.

City seem to be lacking experience in the centre of defence with Kompany’s ongoing injury problems. Fonte was part of the winning Portugal side that captured European Championship glory last summer.

Fonte has featured 19 times for the Saints in all competitions this season, keeping nine clean sheets in the process.

The 33-year-old still has a good couple of seasons left in him and he would make a fantastic tutor for young defenders such as John Stones and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Fonte would seriously challenge for first-team places, his age and his request to leave would also make him available at a cheap price.

Loic Perrin

French centre-back Loic Perrin would also be a good signing for the Sky Blues.

Perrin has featured 24 times in all competitions for St Etienne this season, keeping 11 clean sheets and scoring once.

According to whoscored.com, Perrin has the highest match average of any St Etienne player in the league this season and the tenth highest in the whole division.

Perrin may be 31-years-old, but he is very experienced. He has been part of the St Etienne first-team squad since 2003 and his experience would again benefit the youthful centre-backs at the club.

If it’s Perrin, Fonte or someone else, City require an experienced central defender in this window if they want to challenge for the title this season.