John Stones has long made it clear he wants to leave Everton, but he may have finally decided on his next destination.
The Daily Mail report that the England defender, for whom the Toffees want £50million, favours a switch to Manchester City, not his previous suitors Chelsea.
The 22-year-old could become Britain’s most expensive defender of all time this summer, as while nouveau-riche Everton no longer need the money, they could be keen to cash in while they can still get a decent price for him.
Stones was hugely disappointing last season, though it was widely believed that was largely down to Roberto Martinez’ woeful defensive strategy.
Surprisingly, City are still willing to pay big money for the former Barnsley centre-back, who didn’t feature for his country at Euro 2016 despite being part of the 23-man squad.
City have so far signed Ilkay Gundogan and Nolito in the transfer window, but a defender will surely now be their priority.
Regardless of Stones’ decision, Chelsea may still make one last-ditch attempt to lure him to Stamford Bridge, as they are desperate to find a centre-back to fill the void left by John Terry.
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