Former Manchester City midfielder Trevor Sinclair has claimed that the club should attempt to sign John Stones from Everton.
The 21-year-old defender, who was the subject of three failed bids from Chelsea in the summer, has been a regular for the Toffees over the past 18 months and earned a place in the England squad.
Everton have stated that they are determined to keep hold of the centre-back, but Sinclair has suggested that City should make use of their financial muscle to sign him.
"Stones is potentially one of the best ever," Sinclair told talkSPORT.
"The way he is playing, he is going to inspire a new generation of centre-halves who want to play, who don't want to just hoof it, who want to get the ball down and have the confidence and the ability to get themselves out of tight situations and start attacks.
"It would be great if [City] could get someone like John Stones. [But] I'm sure Everton don't want to let him go and I'm sure there will be a lot of big teams in for him because he is top drawer."
Stones has played 16 times for Everton so far this season.
Steven Toplis
