NEW Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has made signing John Stones his top priority … and he wants a deal done before Euro 2016 kicks off on June 10.
That’s according to the Daily Express who claim Everton are resigned to losing their star defender this summer, although the Toffees are likely to demand a fee in the region of £45million for the 22-year-old.
It’s not the first time Mourinho has had Stones in his sights – he tried and failed on three occasion to sign the England international last year while in charge of Chelsea.
Stones, who can play at right-back or in the centre of defence, did not enjoy the best of times in the Premier League last season, after a meteoric rise following his arrival at Goodison Park from Barnsley in 2013.
However, there is no doubting his potential and United will face stiff competition to secure his signature, with neighbours Manchester City and Barcelona both having expressed interest.
The Daily Mail reports: “The Spanish champions have revived their interest in the England international after being told main target Marquinhos is staying at Paris St Germain.”
“Everton value Stones at £45million and the Catalan giants are likely to open with an offer of around £25m for the coveted centre-half.”
Stones’ current contract with Everton runs until 2019 but the young defender has made it clear on several occasions over the past few months that he wants to leave the Toffees for a ‘bigger’ club.
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