According to reports from ESPN yesterday evening, Manchester United are preparing a player-plus-cash bid for Everton defender John Stones.
The 21 year-old, who was nominated for 2014’s prestigious Golden Boy award, has emerged as the most sought-after centre-back in the Premier League this summer with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all linked to his signature over the last few weeks.
The Blues are widely viewed as the front-runners in the race to sign the England international, having seen two bids rejected and expected to launch a third by the end of the week – allegedly to the value of £30million.
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But according to ESPN, the Red Devils are hoping to leapfrog the Premier League champions with a cash-plus-player bid for the 6 foot 2 centre-half.
Although it remains to be seen whether they’re prepared meet the Toffees’ apparent demands of a bid that eclipses the Premier League record fee for a defender, currently held by Manchester City’s £32million signing Eliaquim Mangala, ESPN claim United can offer what Chelsea can’t – a direct replacement for Stones in the form of Jonny Evans.
Having slumped down the pecking order at Old Trafford last season and now entered the final twelve months of his contract, Louis van Gaal is content to part with the Northern Ireland international this summer. Everton are known admirers and were linked with Evans back in May.
Haha surely Jonny Evans is destined to play for Sunderland? Or at least for a Steve Bruce side?