Man City line up surprise transfer bid for Schalke's Sebastian Rudy on loan

Man City are eyeing a move for Schalke ace Sebastian Rudy

MANCHESTER CITY may make a surprise loan move for Schalke star Sebastian Rudy.

Boss Pep Guardiola wants cover for midfielder Fernandinho — the only real gap in his squad — and has been making checks ahead of a shock deal for the German.

Guardiola knows Rudy well from his time in Germany.

He was an unsung hero at Hoffenheim before moving to Bayern Munich.

But Rudy has struggled for form at Schalke and they may be open to a short-term loan if there is a fee involved.

City are looking into an emergency solution as none of the top-class Fernandinho replacements are currently available.

Guardiola and his spies have their sights on the likes of West Ham’s Declan Rice and Wolves ace Ruben Neves in the longer term.

However, a short-term solution may be needed with the demands of the title run-in worrying the City chief — and Rudy, who has 27 caps for Germany, would fit the bill.

Meanwhile, Chelsea outcast winger Victor Moses is now wanted by Schalke in a loan deal.

Fulham and Crystal Palace both tried for the versatile Moses but his £130,000-a-week wages are a snag, either for a temporary deal or a buy.

Schalke do not want to go to those salary levels either but the move may appeal to Moses.

The Nigerian winger is clearly not in Maurizio Sarri's plans as he has not played since October.