Everton's John Stones (L) (Photo : Reuters)
English clubs Manchester City and Manchester United join Premier League winners Chelsea in the pursuit of Everton central defender John Stones, as per ESPN.
As the Toffees recently rejected a second offer of £26 million from the Blues for Stones, it was reported that the Citizens are also preparing a bid to try and lure the 21-year-old Englishman to the Etihad.
Earlier in the offseason, City manager Manuel Pellegrini had decided to let Stones stay at Goodison Park for another year before trying to snatch him away from the People's Club, but with the aggressive pursuit of the English league champions he is reportedly concerned that the England national might end up playing at Stamford Bridge this upcoming season if his team does not make a move right now.
Everton manager Roberto Martínez refused the second bid of Chelsea's spitfire coach José Mourinho and continued to insist that his prized right back is not up for sale.
However, speculations abound that Everton was just waiting for a £34-million offer from any team, which would have been the British transfer record for a defensive player before they let go of Stones.
Meanwhile, the Daily Express revealed that Manchester United is also interested in taking the young defender. Recent reports went out that United manager Louis van Gaal was looking for a fourth defender in his first team back four and Stones is said to be one of the candidates for the position.
Red Devils' representatives are reportedly in current talks with Stones' agents to let them know of the Old Trafford giants' interest in their client, but no formal offer was yet submitted to Everton from van Gaal.
