Man City re-open transfer talks with key United, Chelsea target
Jul 23, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Manchester City have reportedly re-opened the transfer talks with Everton over a potential move for highly rated John Stones.
The 22-year old is touted to be the top transfer target for new manager Pep Guardiola and the Merseyside club is not willing to listen to any offer less than £50m.
Reports suggest that Manchester City are very close to finalizing the deal as they are willing to break the £50m to sign the English defender. Stones has lost his way last season with Everton as the team failed to produce a good season finishing at 11th position in the league.
This has resulted in him losing his place in England national team as he has not clocked a single minute in the Euro 2016 as England were eventually knocked out by Iceland.
John Stones has been a long-standing target of Manchester United as well as Chelsea with Jose Mourinho being a big admirer of the player. The player who had asked Everton for a transfer request last season failed to make a move due to the clubs not offering enough money.
But this season he could very well make a move as the transfer market is inflated in England and Manchester United could still be in the race after their recent signing Eric Bailey’s outing against Dortmund raised questions.
Everton are also looking to let the player go if a bid from City meets their evaluation as manager Ronald Koeman determined to avoid a drawn-out transfer saga. Manchester City are keen to sign the defender in order to give him some pre-season exposure before the season officially kicks off next month.