Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could resume his interest in Juventus defender "?Leonardo Bonucci in January as he seeks a reliable replacement for the injury-stricken Vincent Kompany, according to the "?Manchester Evening News.
Kompany, 30, was forced off in the late stages of Man City's 2-1 EFL Cup victory over Swansea, prompting fresh fears over his long-term fitness.
While the severity of the injury remains unclear, City are said to be losing patience with Kompany, who was making his long-awaited comeback from injury after last playing in May.
"The doctors are speaking with him and seeing what's up," Guardiola said, as quoted by "?Sky Sports.
"Hopefully, it will not be a big problem. We're going to wait for the results from the doctors."
Asked if he had spoken to Kompany, he replied: "No, not yet. (His performance) was good. It's not easy after a long, long time without playing. Defensively, he was so strong - he played really good.
"Once they scored the goal, after I said: 'What happened?' They said that Vincent had gone to the locker room. Hopefully, it will not be a big problem. We will have to wait.
"If he's injured, he's injured. He cannot stay on the pitch."
Pep Guardiola hopes Vincent Kompany injury is not serious after Man City skipper limps off on return https://t.co/UxxS5XO1WB
Manchester Evening News report that with Kompany facing a fresh injury scare, attentions could turn to Leonardo Bonucci, who was a target for Guardiola earlier this summer.
The Spaniard reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign the Italy defender in the hope that Kompany would return to fitness and that Aleksandar Kolarov would continue to excel at centre-half.
But now, with Kompany set to be ruled out with yet another injury, Guardiola is expected to at least enquire about Bonucci this January.