Former Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has likened Everton starlet John Stones to Gerard Pique of Barcelona.

With former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola having recently taken the reins at Manchester City, Lambert believes the manager’s interest in Stones stems from his similarity to his former charge Pique.

Stones has been touted as one of the brightest defensive talents in world football, despite his form tailing off towards the end of last season.

While Chelsea had several bids for the star turned down last season, City are reportedly keen to agree a deal for the centre back, despite the hefty £50-million asking price being demanded by the Toffees.

‘If you look at Stones at Everton, and you look at Gerard Pique at Barcelona, they’re really similar footballers,’ Lambert 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.’

Lambert then went on to describe some of the characteristics the players share.

‘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,’ he concluded.

Stones made 41 appearances for Everton last season.