Premier League

Set in Stone

John Stones to Manchester City: Pep Guardiola to sanction £50million deal for Everton defender this week

Toffees defender could finally complete sensational move to Etihad and set new English record after summer saga

Toby Gannon

Published: 8:50, 28 Jul 2016

John Stones is close to completing a £50million Manchester City move

JOHN STONES could finally seal a £50million move to Manchester City this week.

Everton rejected an initial bid of £40m from City for the England defender this month but talks have re-opened.

John Stones is close to completing a £50million deal to join Manchester City — John Stones is close to completing a £50million deal to join Manchester CityCredit: Reuters

Everton ace has made it clear he wishes to link up with Pep Guardiola at Etihad — Everton ace has made it clear he wishes to link up with Pep Guardiola at EtihadCredit: Reuters

England centre-back John Stones has been on Manchester City's radar all summer — England centre-back John Stones has been on Manchester City's radar all summerCredit: PA:Press Association

Stones, 22, has told the Toffees he wants to leave but will only be allowed to go if City reach their £50m evaluation.

The transfer would set a new English record, just pipping the £49m the Etihad club paid Liverpool for Raheem Sterling last summer.

Pep Guardiola's City are now preparing a new offer for the centre-back and are sure they can land the England ace, according to the .

Pep Guardiola is desperate to sign John Stones to kick-start his City revolution — Pep Guardiola is desperate to sign John Stones to kick-start his City revolutionCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

John Stones has the passing qualities which Pep Guardiola looks for in a player — John Stones has the passing qualities which Pep Guardiola looks for in a playerCredit: PA:Press Association

John Stones wiggles his way out of trouble against Manchester United — John Stones wiggles his way out of trouble against Manchester UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Stones, who made his first pre-season appearance against MK Dons on Tuesday, has his heart set on linking up with the Spaniard at the Etihad.

While Everton boss Ronald Koeman wants the deal to be completed as soon as possible to end any disruption to his pre-season preparations.

Stones is an ideal target for Guardiola, who yesterday admitted he was considering dropping midfielder Fernandinho into defence.

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The ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager said: "He has the quality to create good build-up play and can play a forward pass.

"We need to create good build-up play with easy passes in midfield."

Ronald Koeman hopes a deal for John Stones is done quickly to end disruption — Ronald Koeman hopes a deal for John Stones is done quickly to end disruptionCredit: Reuters

Ronald Koeman knows John Stones is resigned to leaving Everton this summer — Ronald Koeman knows John Stones is resigned to leaving Everton this summerCredit: PA:Press Association

Stones has been praised for his ability to hold onto the ball and play his way out of danger from deep within his own box.

Guardiola is confident he will have wrapped up all his business by close of play on August 31.

Speaking before City's friendly with Borussia Dortmund today, he said: "Hopefully by August 31 we will have the right players to play the way we want."

Pep Guardiola will move for Leonardo Bonucci if Vincent Kompany suffers further injury. Man City captain will miss the start of next season with a groin crock — Pep Guardiola will move for Leonardo Bonucci if Vincent Kompany suffers further injury. Man City captain will miss the start of next season with a groin crockCredit: Reuters

Eliaquim Mangala could be off to Valencia once John Stones arrives — Eliaquim Mangala could be off to Valencia once John Stones arrivesCredit: Action Images via Reuters

Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci, 29, is another target for Guardiola but the Spaniard will make a move for him if captain Vincent Kompany endures another injury set back.

Meanwhile, Eliaquim Mangala could find himself squeezed out at the Etihad with Stones' incoming arrival.

Valencia are keen on rescuing him from the fringes of first-team football and ready to make City an offer for the £31.9m Frenchman.

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