Report: Guardiola considering replacements for injury-riddled Kompany

Manchester City favourite Vincent Kompany's days in Eastlands could be numbered, as Pep Guardiola is apparently exploring other defensive options before he takes the reins this summer.

The Belgian skipper has struggled with calf issues for much of the campaign, and the Manchester Evening News' James Robson reports the incoming boss doesn't want to be hamstrung by Kompany's repeated spells on the sidelines.

The departure of the 29-year-old defender wouldn't be taken kindly by the City faithful, but Guardiola isn't afraid to make controversial decisions, as evidenced by his sales of Ronaldinho and Deco upon taking the Barcelona helm in 2008.

One player who's set to be handed an opportunity when Guardiola takes over from Manuel Pellegrini is Jason Denayer, a compatriot of Kompany who's been on loan at Galatasaray this season and signed a long-term deal last summer.

The departure of floundering veteran Martin Demichelis looks inevitable, while Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi haven't been particularly convincing this term despite collectively costing City in excess of £70 million.

Defensive transfer targets allegedly identified by the Spaniard include John Stones, the 21-year-old who's recently fallen out of favour at Everton, and fellow youngster Aymeric Laporte, who represents Athletic Bilbao and is a regular in the France Under-21 starting XI.

Kompany's ruled out while Otamendi is a doubt for City's visit of hated rival Manchester United on Sunday.