Manchester City 'will not improve' on John Stones offer

The deal for the transfer of John Stones from Everton to Manchester City has reportedly hit a stumbling block as both sides play hardball over the fee.

The Toffees are thought to have demanded at least £50m for the 22-year-old centre-back but according to The Mirror, City are refusing to improve on their current £40m offer.

Stones is said to have informed Everton that he wishes to leave Goodison Park for Pep Guardiola's side this summer but could now be valued out of a move for the second consecutive year.

Chelsea were in hot pursuit of the England international last year and had three bids knocked back, including a final offer of £38m.

City sporting director Txiki Begiristain is "adamant" that £40m is the club's final offer and will look elsewhere if it is not accepted.

Stones has become a mainstay in the Everton squad since joining from Barnsley in 2013 and is also a regular in the national setup, with 10 caps to his name.