John Stones About To Become Highest Paid Player In EPL

John Stones About To Become Highest Paid Player In EPL

Everton have set young defender John Stones' asking price at above £50m, with Manchester City reportedly ready to make a bid this weekend.

The ​Mirror are reporting that the Toffees will hold out for a record-fee, which would see the 22-year old become the most expensive English player as well as the most expensive defender in World football.

The most expensive defender at present is David Luiz, who signed for PSG from Chelsea for £50m in 2014. While the most expensive English player is Raheem Sterling, who moved to Man City from Liverpool for £49m in 2015.

Ronald Koeman's side are set to begin negotiations at £50m, meaning that the final transfer fee could smash both records.

However, Manchester City will initially just match Chelsea's offer from last summer, which was around £40m.

Newly-appointed City boss Pep Guardiola is keen on the ball-playing defender as he aims to create a side that is synonymous with his Barcelona-inspired footballing philosophy.

But the Spaniard will face stern competition from city-rivals Manchester United, with Jose Mourinho also a big fan of the England international defender.

It is reported that, regardless of which club are interested, the Merseysiders will not entertain any bids lower than £50m as they attempt to line up a world-class replacement.

One man that fits the bill is Napoli's Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who has also been valued by the Serie A club at £50m.

Stones, who has revealed he wants to leave Goodison Park, suffered an indifferent season for the Toffees last season, playing 33 times in the league despite making a number of high-profile errors.

Source: 90 min