Manchester City are lining up a January bid for Southampton fullback Ryan Bertrand.
The Sun says City boss Pep Guardiola will target a left-back and left-sided centre-back in the January sales.
And £30million-rated Bertrand is in his sights to cover for crocked Benjamin Mendy.
The Southampton full-back, 28, was on City's radar in the summer.
But they went for Mendy, who made a big impact before a serious knee injury last month.
Guardiola wants defenders to help City to fight on four fronts.
Former club Chelsea are also thought to be monitoring Bertrand after their spluttering start to the season.
And Stamford Bridge chief Antonio Conte has even been linked with a triple raid of St. Mary's for Bertrand, Portugal right-back Cedric Soares and central-defender Virgil van Dijk.