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 won'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 said Man City need another 'crack' player in squad . Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have been mooted . A return to Manchester for former United ace Paul Pogba is on the cards . Former Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne and Atletico Madrid pass master Koke are other alternatives . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester City news .