Manchester City are preparing a bid for Everton’s John Stones, 22, as they seek to strengthen their defence for next season.
The England international is much-coveted with Manchester United and Chelsea both monitoring the situation as they are rebuffed by other defensive targets. Everton’s new boss, Ronald Koeman, is however, desperate to hang onto his star players with new co-owner, Farhad Moshiri, targeting Champions League qualification.
It’s been a busy summer already for Pep Guardiola with Ilkay Gundogan, 25, already signed and terms agreed for Spanish international winger, Nolito, 29, currently at Celta Vigo.
However, Vincent Kompany, 30, remains plagued by injury and Eliaquim Mangala, 25, horribly out of form, forcing Guardiola to focus his attention on the centre of his defence. It’s been a problem area for City and undermined last season’s title challenge.
The new City manager has long admired Stones’ ability and the England international, currently with Roy Hodgson’s squad in France, is one of Guardiola’s highest priorities for the summer.
Everton, already facing an unsettling summer with speculation over 23 year-old striker Romelu Lukaku’s future, are unlikely to let Stones leave without a fight. Along with Ross Barkley, 22, Stones and Lukaku are the spine around which Koeman wants to build a side.
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