Manchester City have reportedly launched a £53 million bid for Everton defender John Stones, according to the Sun.
New City boss Pep Guardiola is desperate to bring the 22-year-old to the Etihad this summer, and has submitted what would be a world-record fee for a defender in order to get his man.
Stones, who has 10 caps for England but played no part in his nation’s disastrous Euro 2016 campaign, is said to be keen on the thought of linking up with the Spaniard, who is looking to strengthen his central defensive options with the continued fitness doubts over captain Vincent Kompany, and some unconvincing performances from Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi.
It is thought that the Merseyside outfit are likely to accept the latest terms and if the moves goes through, Stones will become the Citizens’ fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Aaron Mooy and Oleksandr Zinchenko.