Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Everton source reveals fight to keep Stones and Lukaku from Man United and Man City
EVERTON are prepared to "fight" for John Stones and Romelu Lukaku as rival clubs eye deals for the Toffees pair, according to reports.
Everton believe they can retain John Stones (left) and Romelu Lukaku for next season
Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly interested in landing England centre-back Stones, who is currently on international duty at Euro 2016.
And United are also said to be keen on Lukaku's signature, although Juventus have been linked with the Belgium striker.
But Everton believe they can retain both players with the financial backing of new investor Farhad Moshiri meaning they are under no obligation to sell.
City manager Pep Guardiola is thought to be a fan of Stones and is eyeing a move after missing out on Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte, who signed a new four-year contract earlier this month.
Jose Mourinho is said to be working on bringing former Barnsley man Stones to Old Trafford after failing to land the defender while manager of Chelsea.
Romelu Lukaku - 5 things you need to know
As for Lukaku, it emerged yesterday that Everton are working on signing a strike partner to accompany the 22-year-old next season, so confident are they that he won't be sold.
The Daily Mail claim Toffees bosses are in talks with Porto over a £16m deal for Cameroon international Vincent Aboubakar.
United, meanwhile, are said to have balked at Everton's £65m valuation of Lukaku.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?