Recent transfer rumours suggest that Everton defender John Stones is all set to snub Barcelona and is interested to join the Premier League side Manchester City.
Media reports suggest that the Spanish giants held talks with Stone’s representative and agent Paul Martin in order to negotiate a deal of £90k per week.
The offer was eventually denied and critics believe that the rising interest from Manchester to rope in the services of the 22-year old defender can be main reason behind Stone’s decision to deny the offer from Camp Nou.
Highly esteemed journalist Gerard Romero, in his article for the SPORT believes that Pep Guardiola is very fond of the England defender and has plans to set him up as the core of Man City defence, coupled with another hopeful addition Aymeric Laporte.
The renowned sports journalist asserted that the deal looks very much possible and Man City might already be in the negotiating process to finalise the deal.
“In the end, City will sign the player,” said Romero.
John Stones had been under the radar of top European clubs for the past two seasons, for his incredible pace, control and ball playing ability. Barcelona was the first to be linked with the former Barnsley defender since 2014 as Luis Enrique had been searching for a potential replacement for Mascherano.
Even a recent dip in his form, lack of consistency and a couple of blunders in Everton’s disappointing campaign this premier league this season have not dented Barcelona’s interest in the centre-back.
Critics believe that an opportunity to play under Guardiola’s mentorship and to feature for one of the biggest clubs in England is too good an offer for Stones to deny.
Former Chelsea manager Mourinho had also shown interest in the 22-year-old centre-back last season but negotiations ultimately faded away due to differences in financial differences.
The playing style of Stones is believed to suit both Guardiola’s tiki-taka and Barcelona’s deliver from the back tactic as critics believe that he will be a value addition in either of the squad.