Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly confident that his side are best positioned to sign John Stones from Everton this summer, despite strong interest from elsewhere.
The England international is a rumoured £50m target for a number of Premier League clubs, including the Citizens, Manchester United and Chelsea.
According to The Sun, Stones is seen as a vital part of City's future under Guardiola and the Spaniard is willing to go all out to land the Everton centre-back.
City could be short of options at the back next season as Vincent Kompany has continued to struggle with injury, while Martin Demichelis is leaving the club and Eliaquim Mangala is also set for the Etihad exit.
It is claimed in the same report that Guardiola will use pre-season to assess the ability of Nicolas Otamendi and Jason Denayer before making a decision on their futures, but Stones remains a priority signing ahead of the new campaign.
Barcelona have also been tipped with making a move for the 22-year-old, who was close to joining Chelsea 12 months ago after a number of high-profile bids were made.
Daniel Lewis
