Everton maintain he is not for sale, but hasn’t stopped a second Premier League heavyweight expressing their interest in England defender John Stones.
With Chelsea having thoroughly pissed off the Toffees, and boss Roberto Martinez, with their public remarks about their desire to sign the 21-year-old, Manchester United have now entered the arena and believe their softly, softly approach will be looked upon more favourably at Goodison Park.
The Red Devils have a history of plucking talent from the Merseysiders, signing both Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini from Everton, but have also found them resolute in their responses to enquiries about full-backs Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman. With Everton valuing Stones at £38million, The Mirror say United have asked to be kept informed of any change in Stones’ status and could even use Jonny Evans to help sweeten any deal.
Rivals Manchester City have already added one £50million player (well, almost) in the form of Raheem Sterling, and Kevin de Bruyne looks to be next. The Belgian playmaker has apparently been offered a staggering five-year, £170,000-a-week contract as City look to force through his move from German runners-up Wolfsburg. (Star on Sunday)
City will look to raise funds by selling strikers Stefan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko, with an eye on prising Argentina frontman Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli. (Sun)
Harry Kane carried the scoring load for Tottenham last season but manager Mauricio Pochettino is hoping Saido Berahino will help ease that burden on last season’s top scorer. Expect a £15million deal to go through by the middle of next week (Express)
Charlie Austin’s move back to the Premier League is being obstructed by his overly-ambitious wage demands. The QPR striker is wanted by a host of clubs but Aston Villa, Leicester and Newcastle have all been discouraged by his request for £85,000 a week. (Mirror)
Theo Walcott’s seemingly endless contract talks could be nearing a conclusion, with the England speedster set to commit his long-term future to Arsenal by signing a new four-year deal worth in excess of £100,000 per week. (Mirror)
Finally, there is an Irish striker on the move, with Conor Sammon moving from Derby to Sheffield United on a season-long loan.
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