Manchester City urged to replace John Stones in deal that could upset Man Utd fans

That is according to ESPN FC pundit and former Major League Soccer star Alejandro Moreno.

Ajax captain De Ligt is linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs after a fine season for the Dutch giants.

Barcelona, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are all said to be keen on the talented 19-year-old.

But Premier League champions Manchester City are also in the hunt for a new centre-back.

Legendary captain Vincent Kompany has left the club to become player-manager at Anderlecht.

Meanwhile, England international Stones was not a regular under Pep Guardiola in the second half of last season.

And Moreno believes De Ligt would be the perfect player to fit into the Spaniard’s defence.

“He better be good, this kid,” Moreno said.

“He better be good at one of these clubs because everybody wants Matthijs de Ligt.

“It would make sense from Manchester City’s perspective because we have now determined that Pep Guardiola doesn’t think much of John Stones.

“There’s been plenty of opportunities to play John Stones and he is essential saying ‘thanks but no thanks’.

“Vincent Kompany, he’s gone, leaves a huge hole right there in the centre-back position.

“He would be ideal, a guy that can actually play with the ball at his feet.

“Young guy, up and coming, a lot of potential.

“Could he fulfil that potential at Manchester City? Why not?

“John Stones didn’t but maybe Matthijs de Ligt does.”