Manuel Pellegrini admits Manchester City need a 'crack ' player to take them to the next level . The term is used in Spain to describe a world star , a galactico , who can transform the team . The reigning Premier League champions saw their hopes of retaining the title diminish after a shock 1-0 defeat by Burnley on Saturday . Here Sportsmail identifies five names City have considered as they approach a pivotal summer in their development . Manuel Pellegrini insists Sergio Aguero needs another 'crack ' player to support him at the Etihad . Despite his expensively assembled squad , Pellegrini still thinks City need more star quality . Aguero failed to score as the champion 's hopes of retaining the title suffered a blow against Burnley . PAUL POGBA . Juventus £55m . City have trailed Pogba since he was on their doorstep at Manchester United . The 22-year-old can be the dominant force in City 's midfield for years to come and add the extra energy they have lacked this year . Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta said : 'There are many suitors for Pogba , but we do not want to open negotiations and we want him to stay with us . ' That said if clubs offer £55m it will be difficult for the Italians to reject . Chances : 4/5 . Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has become one of the world 's best midfielders at Juve . The Italians insist Pogba is not for sale but an offer in excess of £55m could prove too tempting . KEVIN de BRUYNE . Wolfsburg £35m . Has grown into one of the best midfielders in Europe on current form . He is playing as a No 10 , dominating games , creating chances and scoring goals . The Belgian could prove to be one of Jose Mourinho 's biggest mistakes . Yes , Chelsea made a profit when they sold him but he now looks a player who can have greater influence on a game than Oscar and Willian . City have watched him closely this season and Wolfsburg expect a bid . Chances : 4/5 . The Belgium international has been starring in the Bundesliga since his move from Chelsea to Wolfsburg . The Belgium international 's recent form has raised questions over why Jose Mourinho let him leave Chelsea . KOKE . Atletico Madrid £44m . The jewel in the crown of Atletico Madrid . Managers have gone to watch him and questioned whether he was big and strong enough for the Premier League but he is 5ft 10ins and , like the smaller Marco Verratti at Paris St Germain , Koke has the athleticism and strength which allows him to handle the rough treatment . Has proven at European and domestic level he is a player of repute . Much will depend where Diego Simeone ends up . Chances : 2/5 . Atletico Madrid 's pass master Koke is seen as the heir in waiting to Barcelona 's Xavi in Spain . Koke celebrates his goal against Valencia with former Chelsea striker Fernando Torres ( right ) GARETH BALE . Real Madrid £75m . Bale is determined to ride out the storm in Madrid but wo n't be short of admirers should he opt to leave . Despite the fuss over Manchester United 's overtures to him , Bale was aware of City 's interest prior to his departure from Tottenham and would listen if his time at Madrid was up . A homegrown player to boot , he has matured since leaving White Hart Lane and would give City the pace and direct dynamic they have lacked this season . Chances : 3/5 . Gareth Bale 's struggles to win over Real Madrid 's fickle fans could lead to a return to the Premier League . Bale scored twice in the weekend win over Levante , which will have pleased some fans if not Cristiano Ronaldo . VIDEO Bale double silences critics . CRISTIANO RONALDO . Real Madrid £80m . Surely not ? The chat among some City players last week was that Cristiano Ronaldo was destined for Manchester and not the Old Trafford side . It 's almost unthinkable considering his affection for all things United . His agent Jorge Mendes says he will retire at Madrid but tensions are undoubtedly high as the unforgiving Bernabeu crowd see fit to criticise a phenomenal player who has scored 280 goals for them . Chances : 1/5 . They say never say never , but surely Cristiano Ronaldo signing for United 's rivals is unimaginable ? The Ballon d'Or holder was supposed to finish his career at the Bernabeu but has cut a frustrated figure .
Manuel Pellegrini has seen Man ##o becoming another ' crack ' player in squad . Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo and ben Bale have been mooted . A return to Manchester for former United ace Paul Pogba is on the cards . Former Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Silva and Atletico Madrid pass de Koke are other highlights . CLICK HERE for all the latest soccer City news .