Mancity interested in Everton defender ; John Stones

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed his interest in signing Everton defender John Stones.

Everton want £50m for the 22-year-old, who almost joined Chelsea last summer transfer window .

"Everyone knows we are going to try," according to  Guardiola after Thursday's  friendly win over Borussia Dortmund in China. "We will see what happens." he said.

Stones  was part of the England squad at Euro 2016 but did not feature as they were knocked out in the last 16.

Guardiola added: "I am very happy with the squad we have."

A deal is yet to be agreed but it is thought the two Premier League clubs are not far apart in their valuations.

Stones made his debut for Barnsley in March 2012, 10 months before joining Everton for £3m.

City boss Guardiola has identified the Yorkshireman as the kind of central defender who fits his approach to the game.

"Normally central defenders are strong in the air and aggressive," said Guardiola on Wednesday.

"But we need to have a good build-up to create easy passes in the midfield so they can create good passes for the strikers. I believe when the ball goes from the central defender to the striker as quickly as possible, it comes as quickly as possible back.

"That is why the players in that area need quality. By 31 August we will have the right squad to play how we want."