Manchester City have emerged as new favourites to sign Everton centre-back John Stones, with reports suggesting that the Sky Blues are set for a summer move for the defender.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for the stopper for the best part of a year, although according to the Mirror, the Pensioners’ interest has cooled in recent months. Partly, this is because of the departure of Jose Mourinho, who was understood to be a key advocate in the move to Stones, but the youngster’s recent sub-par showings may also have contributed.
However, there is still considerable interest in the player’s services, with La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid both understood to be keen on the defender.
The tabloid note that while the two Spanish heavyweights are keen on the defender, and would move to secure his services, Stones is understood to be hesitant to move abroad.
However, while Barca and Real may be set to miss out on the defender, City appear primed to nab the defender, having been installed as the new favourites for Stones.
Everton officials are understood to be anticipating that the Citizens are the new front-runners for the £50 million-rated defender’s signature.
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