According to reports from Mirror Football yesterday evening, Manchester City have entered the race to sign Everton defender John Stones.
The 21 year-old has emerged as one of the most promising home-grown defenders in the Premier League since moving to Goodison Park from Barnsley in January 2013, earning a nomination for the 2014 Golden Boy award and forging an impressive centre-back partnership with Phil Jagielka.
Chelsea have made no secret of their interest in the Three Lions starlet; they’ve already seen two bids rejected by the Mersey outfit this summer, the latest being worth around £26million; and reports this morning revealed Manchester United have also informed Stones of their interest in his services.
>>> Keep up to date with ALL of the Premier League’s confirmed summer transfers <<<
According to Mirror Football, that makes it a three-horse race for the 6 foot 2 defender’s signature, with Manchester City also keen.
The British newspaper claim the Citizens have been monitoring Stones for some time and would prefer to sign him after a full campaign in the Everton first team – having only emerged as a starting Xi regular halfway through the 2013/14 season and spent a significant chunk of last term sidelined through injury – but well-documented interest from Chelsea has forced them to target him sooner than expected.
The Etihad outfit intend to let Chelsea do the legwork in softening up Everton boss Robert Martinez and convincing him to sell, before launching their own rival bid.
However, Mirror Football also claim the Toffees are holding out for £34million – which would smash the Premier League’s record transfer fee for a defender, currently held by City’s £32million signing Eliaquim Mangala.
Also in the news:
Chelsea bid rejected as Man United enter race for England star
Arsenal edge ahead of Chelsea in £18m race for ex-Real Madrid star
Liverpool target tells friends he’s about to join Man United
Arsenal cult hero rejected huge Liverpool contract for Ligue 1 move