Pep Guardiola might not be planning to replace Ferran Torres in January, but his departure will only intensify the need to sign a new forward in the summer.

Manchester City wanted to sign Harry Kane in the 2021 summer window, and looked at Cristiano Ronaldo as a back-up option until Manchester United panicked and made sure he returned to Old Trafford. That left City without a recognised striker for the season, and they're now set to lose the player earmarked as filling the gap in the centre until one arrived.

Guardiola sanctioned Torres' exit because he says he will always allow unhappy players to leave, however he will also know that City have done just fine without the Spaniard since his injury in October.

Now, attentions will turn towards a new striker in the summer, and a transfer boost of up to £55m for Torres will help considerably.