City eyeing Torino’s Samuele Ricci after Rodri is ruled out for season

Ricci, recognised as one of the best young holding midfielders in Italy, an option as champions deal with blow with Rodri undergoing surgery for ACL injury

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Rodri (left). Pic: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Manchester City are weighing up a move for Torino’s Samuele Ricci as they adjust to a season without Rodri after his anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 23-year-old Ricci has been central to Torino’s surprise ascent to the top of Serie A and excelled in the holding midfield role for Italy in their 3-1 win in Paris against France this month. Although he can play a variety of midfield positions, he is emerging as one of the best young, deep-lying playmakers around and is high on City’s list if they decide they need to make a move in January to cover Rodri’s absence going into the busiest part of the season.