Manchester City fans’ expectations of bringing a new midfielder to the Etihad Stadium this month appear to have been dashed, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

City authorities are now finalizing the future of wantaway defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips during the current transfer window, with the England international looking for better possibilities in the second half of the season.

While there is little doubt about Phillips’ demands, it is unclear how much Manchester City intend to pay to bring in a replacement for the former Leeds United man, especially with choices few and few between.

One name that has surfaced in recent days is that of Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich, and given Pep Guardiola’s relationship with the Germany international, many have been surprised to hear of prospective interest from the Etihad Stadium.

However, some Manchester City fans’ excitement on social media has waned this week with a new update on the likelihood of a Kimmich transfer this month, regardless of his contractual uncertainties in Germany.

Fabrizio Romano, writing in his Daily Briefing, has said that reputed Manchester City transfer target Kimmich will ‘100% stay’ at Bayern Munich during the current January transfer window.

“There have been stories about Manchester City as Joshua Kimmich nears the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich, but what I can say is he is 100% staying at Bayern in January,” Romano told reporters on Monday.

“All teams are now busy with transfers for January rather than contract renewals,” he continued, “so we shall see in the next months… But nothing will happen for Kimmich in January.”

Pep Guardiola could still rely on current options this season to fill in for staple defensive midfielder Rodrigo, with the likes of Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic, and John Stones all filling in at various points this season.

Mahamadou Susoho, who excelled at Academy level, has also played in first-team matchday squads in recent weeks, while young midfield star Jacob Wright made his first-team debut on Sunday afternoon in the FA Cup against Huddersfield.