Report: City undeterred by Everton's £50M valuation of Stones
Manchester City is apparently hoping to pry John Stones from Everton in time for preseason training, and is undeterred by the huge price tag that's been slapped on the youngster's head.
With the Toffees valuing him at £50 million, City is about to make a firm offer for Stones as Pep Guardiola strives to bolster and strengthen his inherited defence, reports The Telegraph's Matt Law.
The Spaniard's chief target since relinquishing his duties at Bayern Munich appeared to be Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte, but the French defender's decision to extend his stay in the Basque Country has forced City to step up its efforts to bag Stones.
Related: City target Laporte signs new Bilbao deal with €65M release clause
And the Etihad Stadium hierarchy has allegedly fought off the attentions of Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea, who have been priced out of a move for the 22-year-old.
Guardiola's preference for defenders who are comfortable in possession has been highly evident through his tenures at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but he can expect to meet some reservations from City fans. Following repeated offers from Chelsea last summer, Stones was repeatedly found wanting for concentration in an error-strewn 2015-16.
He then went unused for England's Euro 2016 campaign, along with current club teammate Ross Barkley.
It is a position that requires recruitment, however. Martin Demichelis left Manchester at the end of his contract, the form of Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi has been questionable, and skipper Vincent Kompany has suffered with repeated calf issues.
So far Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, and obscure Australian Aaron Mooy have been added to City's ranks since Guardiola's hiring.