Incoming Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is looking to get his transfer business completed early and spearhead his Blues’ revival by retaining a key interest in Everton defender John Stones, according to the Daily Mail.
Stones has been a target for the Blues for some time now after last season’s defence failed to live up to expectations and key changes are expected in this position ahead of what is a highly anticipated campaign next term.
The 21-year-old is away on international duty with England while they compete in this summer’s Euro 2016 tournament, with Guardiola reportedly keen to pair him up with Aymeric Laporte in the heart of an all-change City back line.
It remains to be seen whether Guardiola will look to step up his interest and complete the deal before Euro 2016 begins, so that he will be able to work with as many of his new crop of players as soon as possible. Pep has been working closely with sporting director Txixi Begiristain in order to tie up the deals early, with Stones just one of the players he is keen to add to the squad ahead of the international tournament.
Barcelona and Manchester United are still keeping tabs on Stones, who has been praised for his ball distribution and maturity. City are desperate for defensive stability and with Stones supposedly providing this, the home-grown defender has been identified as a serious target.
