The Toffees are facing uncertainty over the future of John Stones, with the gifted centre-half said to be on Pep Guardiola’s wish list at Manchester City.
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Other targets have been linked with a move to the Etihad this summer, but the England ace has seemingly emerged as the top candidate and will now have to bide his time to see whether or not an agreement can be struck between the two clubs with the new Premier League campaign fast approaching.
Manchester City are reportedly reluctant to meet Everton’s £50million valuation of the England worldwide, but Koeman is adamant that the 22-year-old has been unaffected by the drawn-out battle to secure his services. In fact, if they meet Everton’s asking price, that will make the centerback the most expensive English player in the game, overtaking Raheem Sterling who was also purchased by City last season, for £49m. John is very positive in training, he does his job, so that’s great.
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Everton’s stance is reminiscent of last year’s defiance during Jose Mourinho’s very public courting of the England global while manager of Chelsea. Stones is rumoured to have put in a transfer request, but Everton are under no pressure to sell with the player under contract for another three years.
