Manchester City have reportedly stepped up their interest in Everton centre-back John Stones.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer after a disappointing campaign for the Toffees in 2015-16.
Chelsea saw a number of bids for the defender turned down last summer, but Man City are reportedly in pole position to win his signature this time around.
The Guardian reports that the England international has told Everton that he wants to leave the club and join up with new City boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
City are understood to be in the market for a new central defender due to Vincent Kompany's fitness issues in recent seasons, with the club being linked with a big-money move for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci.
Everton are likely to command a significant fee for Stones too as the former Barnsley man is contracted to the club until 2019.
Reports have claimed that it could take around £50m to prise Stones away from Merseyside, despite the player's desire to move.
Barney Corkhill
