Manchester City favourites to land John Stones?

Manchester City have emerged as the new favourites to sign Everton starlet John Stones after Chelsea reportedly cooled their interest.

The 21-year-old has been a persistent target for the London side, who have been knocked back with bids as high as £45m in the last two transfer windows.

Stones is expected to depart Goodison Park in the summer, however, and according to The Mirror, City is now his most likely destination after he expressed a desire to remain in the Premier League.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also thought to be in the chase for the defender, who is likely to cost £50m in the next transfer window.