Report: Barcelona to make £25m bid for John Stones

Barcelona have reportedly joined the race to sign Everton defender John Stones and will open the bidding war with an initial £25m offer next week.

The England international has already been heavily linked with numerous sides, including Manchester City, Chelsea and most recently Manchester United.

According to the Daily Mail, Spanish champions Barcelona are now looking to hijack a move after closely monitoring the 22-year-old for the past two seasons.

It is claimed that Barca favoured a move for centre-back Marquinhos, but the Brazilian's club side Paris Saint-Germain are unwilling to sell any key players this summer which has forced Luis Enrique's hand.

Everton, who rejected Chelsea's bids of up to £50m for Stones last year, are said to still value the youngster in the same price range 12 months on.