John Stones named in Manchester City's Champions League squad on UEFA site

Speculation surrounding Manchester City's pursuit of John Stones has gone into overdrive after the Everton defender was named in Pep Guardiola's Champions League squad on UEFA's official website.

Widespread reports have claimed that City and Everton have been in negotiations over a possible transfer, with the Merseyside outfit thought to be holding out for a fee in the region of £50m.

There has been no official word from either party, but UEFA has listed Stones in City's squad for the upcoming European competition.

It appears as though Stones, who represented England at the European Championships earlier this summer, has been handed the number 24 shirt, which is currently up for grabs at the Etihad Stadium.

Stones, who was denied a move to Chelsea last summer, joined Everton from Barnsley in 2013.