Former Arsenal winger Robert Pires believes Manchester City could well make a move for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish in the summer.

Manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his admiration for the 24-year-old in the past and Pires thinks the attacking midfielder could be seen as David Silva’s replacement at the Etihad:

“Manchester City need to find a replacement for David Silva next season – and I think Grealish is someone who Pep will look at. He is English, he has good experience of the Premier League, and he has a great technique but I think Grealish is a player who would interest a lot of top clubs, like United, Chelsea and Arsenal.”

Grealish added further fuel to the fire yesterday when he expressed his admiration for Kevin De Bruyne, but if the Citizens do make a move for the Villa star, they are likely to face competition from Manchester United.

The Red Devils are also reportedly keen on the playmaker with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said to be eyeing moves for both Grealish and Leicester City midfielder James Maddison.

In terms of Silva’s future, the Spaniard is expected to leave City when his contract expires, ending a ten-year association with the Manchester club, which has seen him win four Premier League titles.