Everton demand record fee for Man City target Stones

Everton will not allow defender John Stones to leave the club unless they receive an offer of over £50 million, according to reports.

The Mirror claims that Everton, buoyed by Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri's recent investment in the club, are under no financial need to sell their star players this summer.

And Stones, who is believed to be a target for both Manchester City and Manchester United, will only be allowed to leave Goodison Park for a fee in excess of £50 million.

That kind of figure would make Stones both the most expensive defender in history, beating the record set by David Luiz's switch to Paris Saint Germain, and the priciest Englishman of all-time, moving ahead of £49 million Raheem Sterling.

With the two Manchester clubs chasing his signature, it is believed that Stones prefers to join City, with the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola proving a strong attraction for the 21-year-old centre-back.

City are known to be keen to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new season, after recent signings Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi both having failed to live up to their hefty price tags.

Guardiola tends to employ a ball-playing centre-back within his sides, and despite the youngster suffering a difficult time with Everton last season, Stones would fit the bill, with his ability to carry the ball out of defence and instigate attacking moves.