John Stones to Manchester City: Everton ace hints deal to join Pep Guardiola is close as he crosses M62 for shopping spree
England centre-back was joined by girlfriend Millie Savage in Manchester city centre as £53million deal grows closer
MANCHESTER CITY are looking to land Everton centre-back John Stones in a big-money move this summer.
And it appears Pep Guardiola is getting closer to a deal after the England international was spotted on a shopping spree in Manchester city centre.
Accompanied by long-term partner Millie Savage, Stones looked extremely relaxed as he marched around with a number of bags including one from Dior.
The rumours surrounding his future at Goodison Park seemed to have little impact on the 22-year-old as he strolled in the sun, but his impromptu trip across the M62 could signal that an Etihad switch is imminent.
Stones has already told new boss Ronald Koeman that he wants to link up with Guardiola despite the Spanish tactician falling short with an initial £40million bid.
But City are finally ready to land their man with an enormous £53m offer – and could even chuck misfit striker Wilfried Bony in the deal for good measure.
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Everton have been linked with a move for Roma star Kostas Manolas as a replacement, but could also be forced to listen to bids from Manchester United and Chelsea first.
Fortunately for City though, Barcelona have already dropped out of the running after signing Lyon’s Samuel Umtiti instead, and Guardiola is confident of signing Stones alongside Athletic Bilbao youngster Aymeric Laporte.
Everton aren’t the only team who should be worried by City’s pulling power, with the Etihad club also said to be targeting a shock move for Arsenal star Hector Bellerin.