Manchester City have made a decent start to life under new manager Pep Guardiola, who replaced Manuel Pellegrini in the summer.

The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager won his first ten competitive games in charge at the Etihad, but then slumped to no win in six following a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on October 2.

That run also included a 4-0 hammering away at Luis Enrique’s Barca in the Champions League, and immediately questions were asked about Guardiola’s style of play, and whether it was suitable to the English game.

Nonetheless, City hit back and sensationally beat the Catalans 3-1 at the Etihad at the start of November, and have also embarked on a six-match unbeaten run in the league with three wins and three draws in that time.

Although they haven’t won at home in the league since September 24, Guardiola’s side are improving, and go into Saturday’s game against league leaders Chelsea knowing that a win would take them above Antonio Conte’s men.

However, some still feel that City may come up short as the season progresses, and many feel that Guardiola needs to reinforce his squad for the second half of the season.

They have been linked to several players, but here are the THREE star signings that top Man City’s Christmas list…

Virgil van Dijk

Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk continues to excel at the heart of the Saints defence.

The 25-year-old has been absolutely sensational for the South Coast club in the last 12 months, this all after a shaky start to life in English football following a £13 million move from Celtic in 2015.

The Dutch international has got everything modern day centre-backs are expected to have – he is strong in the tackle and aerially dominant, but can also bring the ball out of defence and is comfortable on the ball when under pressure.

Unsurprisingly, his excellent form for the Saints, which was once again highlighted in his displays against Everton and Arsenal this week, has attracted interest from top Premier League clubs, and Guardiola’s Manchester City are one of them.

City have limited options at centre-back due to Vincent Kompany’s persistent injuries, and van Dijk would certainly bolster their backline ready for a sustained title challenge.

Ivan Rakitic

One of the key figures in the Barcelona midfield in recent years, Ivan Rakitic has stated that he would like to play under Guardiola at some stage in his career.

The 28-year-old Croatian international has helped Luis Enrique’s side to two La Liga titles and a Champions League crown since moving to the Nou Camp in 2014.

Rakitic has developed into the complete midfielder with the Spanish champions, with his offensive game as good as anyone in his position, but his defensive ability has improved wholesomely, and he can now control the tempo of games and launch attacks from a deeper position.

He would certainly add even greater quality to City’s midfield ranks and, given that he’s open to playing for Guardiola one day, City should try and test Barcelona’s resolve in January.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

City have been heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and it’s not difficult to see why.

The Gabon international striker netted 39 goals in just 49 games for the German outfit last season, as they finished second to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

The 27-year-old has also started this campaign in sensational fashion, and scored his 16th goal of the season in just his 17th appearance in Dortmund’s 2-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

Aubameyang has now scored 66 times in his last 83 Dortmund games, and is unsurprisingly labelled as one of the most clinical forwards in world football.

It would take a mammoth bid to draw him away from the German side, but Guardiola is clearly a big fan of the 27-year-old, and knows that he would hugely strengthen an already-talented City frontline.