Manchester City are preparing to step up their interest in Everton defender John Stones, sources close to the club have told ESPN FC.
New City boss Pep Guardiola has made Stones, 22, one of his top targets this summer as he prepares to take charge at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola's desire to land the England international has increased after seeing transfer target Aymeric Laporte end speculation over his future by signing a new deal at Athletic Bilbao.
Guardiola has made central-defensive reinforcements one of his top priorities at City due to the ongoing concerns over the long-term fitness of Vincent Kompany and the departure of Martin Demichelis.
City will face competition for Stones' signature this summer with Jose Mourinho keen to bring him to Old Trafford.
Mourinho is a huge admirer of Stones having tried to sign him last summer while he was in charge of Chelsea, only for Everton to reject several offers for the player.
However, City are confident of winning the race for Stones with the club feeling the impending arrival of ex-Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta as coach gives them an advantage over United, sources have told ESPN FC.
Arteta and Stones share the same agent, while Arteta's relationship with his former club Everton could also prove key to negotiations between the two parties.
Everton were always steadfast in their stance that Stones was not for sale under ex-manager Roberto Martinez, but sources have told ESPN FC that new boss Ronald Koeman would consider selling if the club receive an offer in the region of £50 million.
Stones is expected to hold talks with Koeman over his future after England's involvement at Euro 2016 is finished, and if the player wants to move on then the Dutchman will consider selling for the highest offer and use the proceeds to bolster his squad at Goodison Park.