Possible shirt numbers for imminent Manchester City signing Jeremy Doku

Manchester City and Rennes have reportedly reached an agreement regarding the transfer of Belgian forward Jeremy Doku.

Doku expressed his desire to move to the treble-winning team from Rennes recently, leading to his absence from their match against Lens over the weekend.

City’s offer of €65million, inclusive of add-ons, has now been accepted by Rennes. Personal terms for a five-year contract have already been settled, and a medical examination is imminent.

Doku has been targeted as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who ended his successful five-year tenure at the Etihad by signing with Al Ahli in July.

The addition of the Belgian international will enhance City’s attacking prowess, especially following the recent long-term injury to midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne.

Assuming the medical evaluation proceeds as planned, Doku is set to become City’s third major signing of the summer, joining earlier acquisitions Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, both of whom are Croatian internationals.

Upon signing for the treble-winners, the 21-year-old will have at least 10 shirt numbers to choose from, however the number 10 shirt – which he currently holds at Rennes – is unavailable, as it is occupied by Jack Grealish.

Squad numbers 1, 11, 12, 15, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 are all currently vacant, and given the uncertainty and expected departures surrounding Joao Cancelo and Aymeric Laporte, the numbers 7 and 14 are also set to become available in the coming weeks.

The number 23 shirt number was retired by Manchester City in 2003 as a mark of respect to the late midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe.

Mateo Kovacic, who signed from Chelsea for £25 million earlier in the window, selected the number 8 shirt, previously held by the outgoing club captain Ilkay Gundogan, who moved to Barcelona on a free transfer after seven years at the club.

Meanwhile fellow Croatian international Josko Gvardiol chose to wear the number 24 shirt, following on from the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, John Stones, Nedum Onuoha, and Patrick Vieira.