Man United and Man City battle for Stones

The two Manchester clubs are keen to sign the defender

Man United and Man City are both set to try and sign John Stones this summer.

According to reports, the two clubs are desperate to improve their defence and both have identified the Everton man as a key target.

Man City would have preferred a move for Aymeric Laporte instead but after he signed a new deal with Athletic Bilbao – thus snubbing a move to the Etihad – new boss Pep Guardiola has been forced to look elsewhere.

Now, he has moved his interest to John Stones, who is viewed as a potential successor to Vincent Kompany. Kompany has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons and although the Everton man isn’t up to that standard yet, Guardiola believes he has the potential to do so.

Mourinho wanted Stones at Chelsea

As for Man United, they are of course now managed by Jose Mourinho, who was desperate to sign the 22-year old for Chelsea when he was boss at Stamford Bridge.

Now at Old Trafford, he remains just as eager to land the centre-back and will launch a massive bid to try and finally get his man this summer. United have had problems with their defence over the last season and Mourinho wants to add Stones to his side in a bid to shore up the defence.

Everton won’t want to let him go though and are still expected to want at least £40m for the England international’s services. Both teams could afford to pay that price and it could all come down to who offers the better deal and where Stones wants to go.

The two clubs though look likely to go head-to-head to try and get their man and outbid each other until the other team gives up – and if Everton are willing to let him go, it’s likely that we will see the defender plying his trade in Manchester next season.

Which colour he will be wearing though is yet to be seen.