Manchester City's ongoing Premier League campaign has been hit and miss to say the least.

They are currently sitting well adrift of league leaders Liverpool with virtually no remaining hope of defending the title for a third successive campaign.

A huge reason for their decline this season has been in defensive. Aymeric Laporte's big knee injury and the departure of Vincent Kompany last summer have effectively ushered in a crisis at the back.

With that in mind, The Athletic's recent report stating that Leicester City's Caglar Soyuncu is a player on City's radar doesn't come as a surprise.

The 23-year-old defender has been a revelation at the King Power Stadium this season and the quality of his performances justify the emerging interest.

But what do those who know him best have to say about him?

Let's find out...

Martin Keown, former England defender

Keown has written a lot about the young defender and he seems to think Soyuncu truly is a top talent that's going to become even better as time goes on.

In one of his columns for BBC, the former England defender and current MOTD pundit spoke highly of the defender, stating that he is perfect for the modern game.

Here's what he said for BBC:

"He is only 23 but the Turkey international looks like a defender who is made for the demands of the modern game - agile, aggressive and good in the air, but also brave on the ball too.

"Soyuncu is not the tallest defender at 6ft 1in but he has got a very good spring. On the ground, he gets in the faces of attackers and he also never panics when he is in possession.

"Whatever situation he is in, he never really looks troubled to me."

Jamie Carragher, ex Liverpool defender

Another pundit who was full of praise for Soyuncu is the former Liverpool defender, Carragher.

He paid the youngster a huge compliment comparing him to former Barcelona icon and captain, Carles Puyol.

Here's what he said, as quoted by Turkish-football:

"I just love that man. He makes me smile, Soyuncu: When I see him defend, the haircut.

"Bit of Carles Puyol about him, isn’t there!?"

How well do you really know Raheem Sterling? This quiz will separate the best from the rest...

Brendan Rodgers, Leicester City manager

The man who probably knows Soyuncu best is his current gaffer Brendan Rodgers.

And he heaped praise on the young defender in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

Here's what he said in full:

"When I arrived and I saw him in training, it became clear that he was a very good player. Over those first few months, the longer I was here, the more I could see his quality.

"He has been absolutely fantastic and he is only going to get better with experience. He will go to Old Trafford. He will go to Anfield. He is not frightened of anything.

"He is quick, he is aggressive. He can defend first and foremost. He has absolutely no qualms whatsoever of just smashing the ball over the stand. He wants to defend. But he can play football and that's important if you want to be a top team. You have to be able to defend but you have to be able to play and he can do that."

Verdict

Even though we are talking about a really young player who's still far from his absolute best, Soyuncu is already looking like a top prospect for the future.

And when we take into account Man City's recent defensive struggles, it doesn't surprise to find his name on their shortlist.

He'd be a great addition for Guardiola.