Everton want £45m for Stones

Manchester United, Chelsea and FC Barcelona alerted to price-tag

Everton want around £45million for centre-back John Stones, according to reports.

The England international has developed into one of the top centre-backs in the Premier League, and was in the middle of a transfer battle between Everton and Chelsea over the summer.

Jose Mourinho launched three formal bids over the summer transfer window, with the highest being worth around £35m, but all three were turned down by Roberto Martinez.

New Bids

However, with reports suggesting Chelsea and even Barcelona are ready to make more offers in January, the Toffees have revealed it would take an offer just shy of £50m to persuade them to sell.

United have been watching Stones all season, according to reports, and they could be ready to make a formal bid in the New Year, with relations between Everton and Chelsea nearly at breaking point.

Martinez was left fuming with how Mourinho dealt with the transfer saga, which could make United favourites to strike a deal with the Merseyside club.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt