'Stones can be Guardiola's new Pique at Man City', says Paul Lambert

Pep Guardiola can mould John Stones into Manchester City's version of Gerard Pique, according to former Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert.

City are keen to secure a move for England international Stones this summer, though they are only willing to spend £40 million on the Everton defender despite the Toffees wanting £50m.

And Lambert believes Stones can be moulded into a player of Pique's stature due to the similarities in their playing style.


"If you look at Stones at Everton, and you look at Gerard Pique at Barcelona, they’re really similar footballers," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Pique has got all the medals and trophies, but I can see Pep Guardiola looking at Stones and thinking he’s really similar to Pique. 

"He can take the ball out of the back and pass it, and he might take a risk or two at certain times, but if Pep gets inside his head and moulds him, who’s to say he can’t be as successful."