John Stones has intimated his desire to leave Everton to join Manchester City.
The want-away England international was the subject of interest from Chelsea last summer but the erstwhile Premier League champions saw multiple offers rejected by the Blues.
However Stones is intent on linking up with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium before City being their pre-season campaign.
That could see a deal brokered as early as next week as Guardiola prepares to face off against former club Bayern Munich next Wednesday.
A £50 million offer for the 22-year-old is anticipated after he is understood to have told Everton manager Ronald Koeman of his plans to join the club’s north-west rivals.
Stones returned to Merseyside following a disappointing summer with England that saw him overlooked during England’s four-game campaign by outgoing coach Roy Hodgson.