Everton’s £50m defender seeks Manchester City move

Manchester City are edging closer towards wrapping up a summer deal for England international defender John Stones, according to ESPN.

The 22-year-old; who has 10 international caps for England, but failed to feature for the Three Lions in France during the 2016 European Championships, made 41 appearances in all competitions for Everton last season.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The report suggests that Stones has told the Toffees, who could only finish 11th in the English top-flight standings last term under former manager Roberto Martinez, that he wants to link up with new Citizens boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium ahead of the forthcoming 2016/17 campaign.

The centre-half, who arrived at Goodison Park from Championship outfit Barnsley back in January 2013 in a reported £3m switch, has already held talks with Everton’s hierarchy about his intentions to leave Merseyside this summer.

However Everton will look to pocket at least £50m for the England international, which would break two Premier League records concerning the amount spent on an Englishman and a defender.