Manchester City manger Manuel Pellegrini has called on Wilfried Bony to start converting more chances and prove why the club shelled out big money for his services.

Bony joined City, who are priced at 1.91 to win the Premier League this season, in January for £25million from Swansea but has since netted just five times in 24 games.

The Ivory Coast international has not always been first choice and last term had to compete with Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic for a regular place in the side.

However, this term the frontman has been handed further chances with the latter two departing over the summer and Aguero struggling with injuries.

The 26-year-old has provided more of an outlet with three goals in his last five appearances, although he could have arguably scored more freely after passing up a number of opportunities.

The former Vitesse man is set to be handed a starting role in Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Sevilla with Aguero still on the sidelines and youngster Kelechi Iheanacho ineligible.

Pellegrini has urged to striker to be more prolific and hopes he can start that trend against the La Liga opposition.

Pellegrini said: “Maybe he needs to score, because he is missing some chances. The way he plays and the striker he is, he normally doesn’t miss them.

“But I think he needs trust. He is playing after many months of not being able to work normally, for different reasons. Now I have placed a lot of trust in him, he must demonstrate why he’s here.”