The City players ahead of each season anonymously vote for a leadership group with each role democratically decided during the summer. 

With Fernandinho having left the club after nine years at the end of last season, there was likely to be quite tumultuous change in the group this term as the players voted for a new captain. 

With Ilkay Gundogan having taken over the armband from the Brazilian who returned to his native country to join Athletico Paranese, The Telegraph has reported that De Bruyne will be the German's number two this season. 

De Bruyne was part of the five-strong leadership group last term having been voted in at number four but has now seen himself promoted to the vice-captaincy role.

The new leadership group is completed by defenders Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias with Rodri having been promoted for the first time, it has been reported.