---
title: "City outsiders in race for England international"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2016/01/24/city-outsiders-race-england-international/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jack Brain"
section: "Articles"
published: "2016-01-24T13:33:25Z"
modified: "2016-01-24T15:47:30Z"
---

# City outsiders in race for England international

Manchester City remain interested in Everton defender John Stones but are outsiders in the race to secure his signature, according to the [Mail on Sunday](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3413828/Barcelona-Real-Madrid-Chelsea-set-50m-battle-sign-Everton-s-John-Stones.html#ixzz3y6vGG7s6).

The Citizens face the task of beating Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as fellow Premier League side Chelsea, to the signing of Stones, who has attracted a lot of interest since the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old was subject of a £38m bid from Chelsea in August, but the offer was rejected by current club Everton. Toffees manager Roberto Martinez has reportedly slapped a £50m price tag on the England international but is unwilling to sell him until the end of the season.

With the [bookmakers](https://www.oddschecker.com/football/football-specials/john-stones/next-club), City are rank outsiders at 20/1. The aforementioned trio and cross-city rivals Manchester United are listed at odds ranging from 13/10 to 6/1 to be Stones’ next club.

However, Manuel Pellegrini has already shown his willingness to splash the cash when it comes to young, English talent – with Raheem Sterling and Patrick Roberts both cited as examples – and could defy the odds to add another homegrown player to his squad in an attempt to solve the Sky Blues’ defensive crisis of late.