Manchester City could be about to release three of their experienced defenders next summer after contract talks have been put on hold.
The Sun claim that Bacary Sagna, Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy could all to be let go by Pep Guardiola next summer and has ordered that talks over potential new deals be halted.
They will all of course be given a chance to prove their quality over the course of the season, but the Catalan boss believes there is some quality replacements already coming through the clubs academy.
A club source told the newspaper:
There are no talks in pipeline to discuss possible contract extensions for Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy.
All three are out of contract next summer but all given a reprieve by Pep Guardiola to prove themselves this season.
They are all over the age of 30 and with youngsters Pablo Maffeo and Angelino also knocking on the first-team door, City are biding their time.
Guardiola has already shown his ruthless streak by kicking Joe Hart out of the club, sending him on loan to Italian club Torino.