After yesterday’s reported announcement that John Stones had told Everton that he does not want to continue his playing days at Goodison Park, all eyes have been on City, who are reported to be the front-runners in signing the young defender.
Sam Lee of Goal.com writes this morning: “Manchester City are increasingly confident of signing Everton defender John Stones this summer, although no concrete bid has been made.
“Stones has long set his sights on a move to the Etihad Stadium, and City have been frontrunners to land his signature for months.
“The club have always known that they will have to part with around £50 million if they are to land their chief defensive target, meaning Everton’s high valuation, which has put off other suitors, should not pose a problem.”
Stones was recognised as one of the premium defenders of the 2015/16 season, bursting on to the scene for his incredible talent in man marking and his defensive efforts at such a young age. Since the January transfer window, the England defender has been linked with many other clubs including top four contenders, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, also reports: “Manchester City are stepping up their interest in John Stones after the central defender indicated to Everton he is keen on moving to the Etihad Stadium to work under Pep Guardiola.”
“It is understood that Stones has told Everton of his desire to leave for City and, if he is signed, it may be in time for the pre-season tour, which starts next week.”
For now, nothing has been confirmed, but we’ll continue to keep our ears to the ground on all things John Stones.
Why the hefty price tag, you may ask? Well, in other news, ESPN’s Simon Curtis explains why Manchester City amongst other clubs are facing inflated transfer fees this summer.
“With so much money washing around the Premier League, a player’s final price hardly matters anymore.
“Records are being broken month after month, as ambitious clubs join desperate ones trying to fill their squads with the best possible talent.
“Signing young talent, even if it is also expensively priced… (Means) you are tapping into potential that can be groomed towards future international stardom.”
To news of one of our own young talents, now, as fourfourtwo’s, Seb Stafford-Bloor reveals the top young players to look out for during the upcoming season. And guess who makes the cut for City?
Kelechi Iheanacho is the man tipped for a stellar campaign, as the report reads: “Iheanacho is Pep Guardiola’s brightest young thing… He’s already a startlingly good finisher, but is also a creative presence who processes the game quickly and can drop off the front-line and influence the play with a broad passing range.”
That’s all for today, but check back tomorrow for more City transfer news.
