Michael Ball thinks it would be the ‘perfect time’ for Manchester City to sign Yves Bissouma.

The central midfielder starred for Brighton & Hove Albion last season, making 39 appearances as the Seagulls steered clear of the Premier League drop zone.

Bissouma, 24, joined Brighton from French outfit Lille in 2018 and still has two years remaining on his £25,000-per-week contract.

While that means Graham Potter’s side are not in a position where they need to sell, a tweet from Blue Moon earlier this month suggest Bissouma would be excited at the prospect of a move to the Etihad Stadium, having been reported as a target for Pep Guardiola in May.

Although 36-year-old Fernandinho has signed a new one-year contract, it appears likely that next season will be his last at City.

Ilkay Gundogan is also 30, along with Kevin De Bruyne, so boss Pep Guardiola is keen to welcome younger additions to the squad.

Former City left-back Ball feels Bissouma would flourish at the heart of the Premier League champions’ midfield in the years to come.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “I think it could be a clever move by Manchester City.

“He’s 24 and had a fantastic year at Brighton. City have got a couple of ageing midfielders and it could be the perfect time for City to bring him in so he can get used to the club.

“Manchester City could bring him in now for the future.”