Manchester City are readying a £50million bid for Everton centre-back John Stones as the defender has his heart set on playing under Pep Guardiola.
The Telegraph claims that Manchester City will begin the bidding at somewhere under £50million, but are expecting to be knocked back, with Everton wanting the full asking price for the 22-year old.
Everton knocked back a £40million bid from Chelsea last summer, and have increased the asking price for the defender in light of the new Premier League TV deal, despite Stone’s shaky performances last season.
After missing out on Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, Txiki Begiristain is going all out to ensure City sign Stones, a defender that Guardiola has identified as someone who can strengthen City’s often criticised defence.
He would become the fourth England international to join the City squad, were he would know the likes of Joe Hart, Fabian Delph and Raheem Sterling.
Manchester City have already splashed the cash this summer, signing Germany international Ilkay Gundogan and Spain star Nolito.