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The squad lists released by UEFA for the third Champions League qualifying stage caused some confusion this morning, with Everton defender John Stones being named among the Manchester City players.
This caused much speculation that City had in fact wrapped up a deal with Everton to sign the young England defender without yet announcing it.
It has been known for some time that Stones was on new City manager Pep Guardiola's wish list as the Catalan tactician was on the lookout for defensive reinforcements this summer.
The Citizens have spend around £70 million on Nicolas Otamendi and Elaquim Mangala in the past two years, but neither centre-back has convinced in the Premier League, while captain Vincent Kompany has struggled with a series of injuries.
Guardiola has an excellent record of developing young ball playing defenders in Stones' mould, having coached Gerard Pique at FC Barcelona and Jerome Boateng at Bayern Munich, both of whom are considered to be among the finest defenders in the world now.
It was believed that Stones was extremely keen to work with Guardiola, and made his intention to move to City known to Everton. The Toffees were said to be holding out for a £50 million fee for the former Barnsley player, but City were some way off meeting that valuation.
That fee would see Stones become the most expensive defender in football history.
Written by Ryan Baldi
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