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Manchester United, Manchester City 'to battle over £45m John Stones'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 25 May 2016

Manchester United and Man City are reportedly ready to do battle over £45m-rated Everton centre-back John Stones this summer, with Barcelona and Chelsea also interested.

Local rivals Manchester United and Manchester City will reportedly do battle to land Everton centre-back John Stones this summer.

The 21-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea last summer, only for Everton to hold on to the youngster for another season.

However, Stones is now understood to be keen on a move away from Goodison Park, and with Mourinho expected to take over at United in the coming days, he will resume his interest in the England international.

The Portuguese boss will face competition from Pep Guardiola, though, as the incoming Manchester City manager is also thought to be interested in a move for the Everton man.

The Manchester Evening News reports that the Toffees will command a fee of at least £45m for the youngster, with Barcelona and Chelsea also in the race for his signature.

Stones, who has been included in the provisional England squad for Euro 2016, found himself in and out of the team at Everton last season as the club struggled to a bottom-half finish in the Premier League.