Everton defender John Stones is likely to turn his head away from Stamford Bridge as he is holding out for a move to Manchester City, according to Mirror.

Pep Guardiola’s imminent arrival is enough of an incentive for the young England international to turn his interest from joining Chelsea to moving to the Etihad Stadium and get the chance to work with former Barcelona boss.

Manchester City now find themselves in pole position to sign the highly-rated 21-year-old who is packing his bags for a summer move.

Everton were adamant in their desires to hold on to the central defender last summer as they refused several bids from Chelsea, who offered up to £37 million.

Seeing that Manchester City are struggling with porous defences lately, Pep Guardiola is understood to be keen on the centre-back and Manchester City also want to attract the best young English talent do they should be expected to make a move for Stones at the end of the season.

It is reported that an offer of £40 million would be sufficient for Everton to change their mind and let defender go.

Much will depend on Toffees’ Premier League position come the end of the season. The Goodison side are currently occupying the 11^th place at the table, double digits away from the European places with only five more games to play in the campaign.

Toffees are travelling to Anfield on Wednesday for the Merseyside derby against Liverpool and are given the odds of 5.5 (9/2) @Bet365 to make a surprise win against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.

John Stones has been targeted by several other clubs as well and the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United are also thought to be keeping tabs on the England defender.