Manchester City close in on signing John Stones

Manchester, July 23: Manchester City are keen on signing English international defender John Stones from Everton for a mammoth £50m this summer, reports the Mirror.

The report suggests, the English Premier League giants are closing in on signing the defender as they are ready to match the Toffees' asking price for the player after a overnight negotiation.

Last summer, Chelsea were ready to splash £40m for the defender as the then manager Jose Mourinho was desperate to bring home John Stones to strengthen their bakcline.

Roberto Martinez who was in charge of Everton at that time made it clear that Stones was not up for sale and they will not entertain any kind of negotitation.

Now as a season has passed, it is believed that the defender himself is keen on making a big switch in his career by joining a bigger club. Manchester City too ready to break the £50m mark for the star defender.

Everton are playing a friendly match against Barnsley on Saturday but John Stones has been kept out of the clash due to an injury.

Manchester City who are currently in China for pre-season tour will be hoping to sign Stones before their matches begin. Thus, it is believed that Pep Guardiola's City will act fast in the issue and bring home Stones as soon as possible.

Pep Guardiola has players like Vincent Kompany (club captain), Eliaquim Managala, Mathieu Valbuena in the center-back position.

Kompany, who remained out of action for most of the season last time due to injury is set to return this season.

Stones' inclusion will be huge boost to the Manchester City squad.

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