Manchester City respond to John Stones speculation

Manchester City are understood have no plans of offloading John Stones despite being on the fringes of the first-team of late. The England international has made just one appearance since March.

Earlier yesterday, reports emerged that Stones could be allowed to leave the Premier League champions in the summer with Arsenal and Liverpool said to be interested in his services.

However, according to Sky Sports, Stones remains a valuable player under the management of Pep Guardiola and the club are unlikely to sanction his sale in the next transfer window.

Stones has been one of England's most reliable defenders of late but it will be interesting to see whether Gareth Southgate would assure him of a regular spot at the World Cup.

The Three Lions coach has previously suggested that no player would be picked without sufficient league football for his respective club and this recently witnessed Chelsea's Gary Cahill being dropped from national team duty.