Everton defender John Stones has reportedly met with the club’s hierarchy to inform them that he wants to join Manchester City.
The 22-year-old was a target for Chelsea last summer, and while they will likely be monitoring the situation closely, they could be set to miss out.
According to ESPN FC, Everton are bracing themselves for an offer from City, and their position will certainly become more difficult now with the suggestion that Stones has notified them that he wishes to leave.
The England international is expected to report for pre-season training on Monday, and as noted by ESPN FC, he will command a fee of around £50m which will of course see him and City break various transfer records.
It is added that the talented centre half wants to avoid another transfer saga, similar to the one that saw him linked with Chelsea all summer long last year, and wants a swift end by being allowed a move to Manchester.
Talks are at an advanced stage at Goodison Park, with the report claiming that he and his representatives have even met with Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri to ask him to sanction the move.
ESPN FC add that a major motivation behind the move is Stones wanting to work under Guardiola, as he is said to be excited about the prospect of linking up with the Spaniard and will in turn urge Everton to allow him to leave.
From a City perspective, it would be a welcome addition to their squad as Guardiola looks for necessary reinforcements.
With a lack of defensive solidity offered by those currently in the squad, coupled with his requirement to have a centre-half that can play out from the back, Stones is arguably perfect for his system and style of play.
Continued injury concerns over Vincent Kompany will be a worry too, but the Belgian alongside Stones could form a formidable defensive partnership.
In contrast, it will be a major blow for Everton and new boss Ronaldo Koeman, who would have hoped to have the England star at his disposal in his first year at the club.