Guardiola confirms City interest in Everton defender

Manchester City’s pursuit of John Stones has been one of the summer transfer markets worst kept secrets. Everton are rumoured to have already rebuffed a bid of , and the media were reporting yesterday that Pep Guardiola was readying another bid for the defender.

In a press conference today, the Spaniard confirmed that he was attempting to sign Stones.

"It's the same answer for (Leroy) Sane -- he's a player for Everton. Everybody knows we're going to try but I don't know what's going to happen. I'm very happy with the squad we have, in the way they train and play. That's all I can say."

Stones is in the Everton squad that flew out to Germany earlier today for the Dresden Cup, to be played on Friday and Saturday.

Ronald Koeman is reported to have told the player and his representatives to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Everton will no doubt have very fresh memories of the ongoing saga with Chelsea from last summer as the club stood firm repealing three separate attempts at signing Stones.

While the transfer window finally closed and the youngster remained at Everton, his performances at the beginning of the season were no doubt affected by the drama surrounding him and he endured a torrid first couple of months and never quite got into the groove, ultimately contributing to a historically poor season for the Blues defence which led to the sacking of manager Roberto Martinez.