Barcelona are interested in £50m Chelsea and Man United target

BARCELONA are interested in strengthening their defence with Everton's John Stones, according to sources in Spain.

 

Stones has made himself a regular for both club and country

 

The England defender was the subject of a prolonged transfer campaign last summer by English champions Chelsea.

Stones even ended up submitting a transfer request but has remained at Goodison Park despite interest from across Europe.

And Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes Barcelona are the latest club to show an interest in the player.

 

"I know Barcelona like John Stones a lot, but they haven't yet decided where they are going to put their money this summer," Balague told Sky Sports.

"They are looking at other options as well. They want a left-back, they want a centre-back and they perhaps want a central midfielder in the mould of Paul Pogba."

However, in their pursuit of Stones Barcelona could face competition not only from Stamford Bridge but also Old Trafford where Louis van Gaal is said to be ready to join the race for the player.

 

With the two English giants both ready to bid massive sums for Stones, Barcelona are likely to have to match or even eclipse the reported £50million price tag if they are to secure the player.

But their willingness to do so may depend on whether they are able to sign a Pogba-style player to bolster their midfield.

Express Sport understands Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsey is high on the Spanish club's shopping list but spending big on both him and Stones may prove problematic.