Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand open to Manchester City move as Pep Guardiola is left short of options after lengthy injury to Benjamin Mendy

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Manchester City have an eye on Southampton's Ryan Bertrand as they look to bolster their defensive options.

The Spaniard earmarked the wing back position as an area he needed to strengthen during the summer and was interested in bringing in the former Chelsea man.

City instead recruited Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo — splashing £133million in the process.

Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand could be open to a move to Manchester City

Pep Guardiola tagetted wing back position and showed interest in Bertrand this summer

City are without their first-choice left back after summer signing Benjamin Mendy's injury

However, with first-choice left back Mendy possibly out for the season after he sustained a ruptured cruciate ligament in only his fifth City appearance last month, Guardiola may well revisit the Bertrand option.

Fabian Delph has been deputising in the Frenchman's absence and the lack of a natural back-up could mean Guardiola's interest from the summer may be piqued again.

Sportsmail understands that the 28-year-old would be receptive to a move to the Etihad Stadium should an offer materialise.

Saints would rebuff any offer for the unless the north-west club tabled a ludicrous bid 

City recruited Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo this summer for a combined £133m

Saints, however, would rebuff any offer for the 17-cap England international unless the north-west club tabled a ludicrous bid.

But City have shown they are willing to bankroll lofty bids for defenders in recent seasons — Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi each cost over £30m while John Stones was prised away from Everton for £47.5m.

City have also looked at Espanyol left back Aaron Martin, having sent scouts to watch him play against Levante last Friday.

City sent scouts to watch Espanyol's Aaron Martin (R) against Levante on Friday evening