Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has claimed that Manchester City must spend in the January transfer window if they are to enjoy a successful end to the season.

Pep Guardiola's side recorded a 3-1 win at Everton on Saturday to close the gap on leaders Liverpool to five points in the Premier League table, but it was another lacklustre defensive performance from the champions.

Fernandinho once again joined Nicolas Otamendi in central defence due to the injuries to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones, and Neville has said that the Citizens will have to improve their squad at the start of 2020 if they are to challenge for the league title and Champions League crown.

"You have to think that City will spend in January," Neville told Sky Sports News. "I saw this morning that Guardiola said they didn't have any money. Well, they've got more than everybody else.

"They bought Aymeric Laporte in January a year and a half ago, and I feel that they're going to have to do the same again. This won't be good enough for the Champions League or the Premier League. Guardiola will know it - he knows the standard more than anybody."

City will now switch their attention to the Champions League as they prepare to host Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night ahead of a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league next weekend.