Coventry City make move for Man City teenager aiming to be next John Stones

Coventry City are in the market to improve their defence following their opening Premier League defeat against Arsenal and have made a step in the right direction for a Manchester City ace

Coventry City are set to sign Manchester City youngster Stephen Mfuni. Frank Lampard's side are said to have beaten Watford to his signature after the teenage defender spent last season on loan at Vicarage Road, according to talkSPORT.

The 18-year-old was included in Enzo Maresca's squad for Manchester City's pre-season tour after an impressive Championship spell in the second half of last season. However, an injury prematurely ended his time with the Hornets

Mfuni made eight outings for Watford, starting in each match and showing versatility between the centre of defence and left back. The young talent made his senior City debut against Exeter in the FA Cup ahead of his loan exit.

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Watford sporting director Luke Dowling said earlier this month that his side were in regular contact with Manchester City over Mfuni. Dowling would not have been surprised to see the player continue under Maresca.

"Everyone who watched Watford play last year in the games when Mfuni, especially, played, it wouldn't surprise me with Man City losing Nathan Ake this year, if they kept him around," Dowling told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"He's left-footed like Ake, he can play left-back, he can play left centre-half, so that wouldn't surprise me at all.

"However, the club are in contact with Man City regularly... so just wait and see.

"It's unfortunate with loans like that because we're never in control with them as they are not our players."

But Coventry seem to have won the race for the England youth international, who won the FA Youth Cup with the Premier League giants in 2024.

Mfuni has previously revealed that he looked to emulate his style of play on Josko Gvardiol and John Stones. He also believes he is a leader at the back.

"I style my game a bit on [Joško] Gvardiol and John Stones because I train with them quite a bit and they are a bit like me," he said. "I try and learn things from them.

"I am quite commanding as well and a leader at the back. I am a ball-playing centre-back that is very quick and likes to drive the ball and lead the team forward."