Our Manchester City fans here in the Transfer Tavern are excited to see how Pep Guardiola is going to refresh the team once again in the summer.

Guardiola hasn’t been shy in the transfer market during his 18-month reign at the Etihad, that’s for sure. He’s totally revamped an ageing squad still living on its laurels from their first title win back in 2012, spending a lorry load of money along the way, though imposing a truly wonderful brand of attacking football.

Having played some of the best stuff in the Premier League has seen in its era so far this season, Guardiola will not be short on players wanting to join his City revolution. However, many of the regulars in the bar feel there’s still a little room for improvement in the centre of the defence. Indeed, they’ve needed and a long-term replacement for City legend Vincent Kompany for a while now.

As the average age of the squad continues to plummet under Guardiola with his youthful and pacey squad, our landlord takes a look at TWO young defenders that are currently plying their trade in the Premier League…

Mason Holgate

The 21-year-old Everton defender should follow in the path of former Toffee John Stones with a move from Goodison Park down the M62 to the Etihad. Holgate is a quality player in the eyes of many of the regulars around the bar and would do very well under Guardiola’s guidance.

However, his game would have to adapt from the long ball playing to a more on the ground type of game. Nevertheless, he is young enough to learn.

Nathan Ake

The former Chelsea defender, who is now with Bournemouth, is a hot prospect in the Premier League. At the age of 23, he has largely impressed on his loan spells away from Stamford Bridge and forced the Cherries into a permanent transfer in the summer.

His high concentration levels and top level tackling will make him one of the best defenders around in a few years. So if a move to the Etihad was to materialise, the punters feel that he could have an amazing club and country career.