Man City to step up John Stones interest

Manchester City are set to lodge a formal bid for Everton defender John Stones after they failed in their approach for Aymeric Laporte.

Laporte, 22, recently snubbed advances from the Citizens to pen a new long-term deal at Athletic Bilbao.

The Express says the Citizens will make an offer in excess of £50m for Stones as they bid to strengthen their defence ahead of a tough run in the Premier League next season.

The likes of Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala found it tough in the top flight during the previous campaign, and this has urged City boss Guardiola to seek a deal for the Toffees centre-back.

Stones, who joined the Toffees from Barnsley in 2013, has three years left on his existing contract.