Manchester City are reportedly unwilling to match Everton’s £50m valuation of John Stones, and they will stick to a £40m bid for the defender.
Pep Guardiola is continuing his search for players to strengthen his squad ahead of his first season in charge, and has seemingly identified the England international as a key figure in his plans.
According to The Guardian though, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain has informed the Toffees that the club are willing to offer £40m plus potential add-ons, but will not go any higher.
In turn, it remains to be seen whether or not a compromise can be reached between the two parties, as ultimately Guardiola rates the 22-year-old highly.
Stones wishes to leave Goodison Park, but it looks as though a similar situation to last summer is arising as noted by The Guardian, with Chelsea reluctant to meet Everton’s demands on that occasion, which eventually led to the commanding defender staying on Merseyside.
Nevertheless, it’s felt as though one side will buckle on this occasion, and it could possibly still be City as Stones would have a hugely important role with his ability to play out from the back, something that Guardiola values highly from his defenders.
Coupled with the on-going fears over Vincent Kompany’s long-term ability to stay fit, City need to reinforce in that department and it appears as though Guardiola now has his eyes set on Stones to fill the gap.
Other targets have been linked with a move to the Etihad this summer, but the England ace has seemingly emerged as the top candidate and will now have to bide his time to see whether or not an agreement can be struck between the two clubs with the new Premier League campaign fast approaching.