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Manchester United to outbid Barcelona in race for star: Club willing to pay £54m
MANCHESTER UNITED'S willingness to pay the highest price is reportedly what will stop Barcelona from signing John Stones.
Everton clung onto Stones last summer but may not be able to keep him if United or Barcelona come in
Stones has quickly become one of the most sought-after young players in Europe since joining Everton from hometown club Barnsley in 2013.
Despite his tender years, the 22-year-old has already accumulated 95 appearances for Everton and another 10 for England.
He was handed his debut by Roy Hodgson in the run-up to the 2014 World Cup and is now competing with Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill for a starting berth at Euro 2016.
And now Barca, although they are still keen to sign him, reportedly believe they will be outbid because United are willing to go as high as £54m.
Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez reportedly valued Stones at £50m and Jose Mourinho, who is understood to have a £200m war-chest at his disposal, will stop at almost nothing to sign him.