Is this proof that Man City have already signed John Stones from Everton?

Despite still officially being an Everton player Manchester City have seemingly taken the time out to include John Stones in their Champions League squad.

According to the UEFA website Stones is among City's registered defenders for their upcoming play-off against Steaua Bucharest complete with a squad number of 24.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer but Everton are not budging on their £50m valuation for the former Barnsley youngster.

Are Man City being premature? Is this a cock-up on UEFA's part? Or is the deal already done and we just don't know about it?

Whatever the reason it merely increases the speculation about Stones' future and suggests it does indeed lie away from Goodison Park.

If that's the case then Ronald Koeman and Steve Walsh need to act quickly to bring in replacements with less than a week to go until the start of the new Premier League season.