Everton have reportedly informed Manchester City that they will have to pay £50m to sign John Stones if they wish to sign the defender this summer.
Pep Guardiola has been busy in the transfer market in recent weeks, bringing in the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus to bolster his squad for both the short and long term future of the club.
However, he is still seemingly looking for an individual to strengthen his defence, and it has become clearer that Stones is his priority.
According to Sky Sports though, the Spanish tactician will have to get the club hierarchy to agree to pay £50m to sign him from Everton, with the Toffees informing their Premier League rivals that there is no negotiation and that is ultimately the valuation that they have to meet.
In turn, it remains to be seen whether or not City can satisfy those demands, or if Guardiola will have to take his search for defensive reinforcements elsewhere.
Meanwhile, it appears as though Everton are pushing forward with their own plans to improve Ronald Koeman’s squad this summer, as Sky Sports add that they are expected to return with an improved offer for Swansea City captain Ashley Williams.
Whether or not that’s with a view of being a replacement for Stones is unclear, as ideally Koeman will want to keep hold of the England international and pair him with the Welsh defender to form a solid base on which his side can build on moving forward.
Nevertheless, all eyes will be on Stones’ future for the time being, as the 22-year-old is a perfect signing for Guardiola as he not only brings defensive solidity to the team, but also an ability to play out from the back and start attacks, something that the Spaniard places great importance on from his central defenders.