News of the World reports that City boss Mark Hughes has been asked to draw up a list over players he want and give it to the new club owners.
One City source told News of the World: “Mark knows money is no object but he also wants to bring in the kind of players who will fit in with his plans, not just spend massive money for the sake of it.
“Gerrard and Essien in the same midfield would be incredible.
“They would fit together perfectly and wouldn’t have to take time adapting to the English game in the same way as any big foreign name.”
It is expected the pair would cost City at least £80million.
