John stones focused despite Manchester City’s interest

Everton assistant manager Erwin Koeman has praised the attitude of John Stones in the face of Manchester City’s ongoing transfer pursuit.

City boss Pep Guardiola on Thursday confirmed his club were “going to try” to sign the 22-year-old England centre-back .

There has been increased speculation about a reported £50million move but Stones, who played the last 11 minutes of the Toffees’ penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Betis in Germany on Saturday and 69 minutes against Dynamo Dresden on Friday, has remained focused.

“He is very positive,” Erwin Koeman said post-match.

“Of course we know the rumours. John is very positive in training. He does his job, so that’s great.

“It’s very simple – he is a member of Everton. Top professionals don’t show anything – they do their job.

“They are professional and he is.”

Stones tried to force through a move to Chelsea last summer by handing in a transfer request and is understood to have told new manager Ronald Koeman of his desire to link up with Guardiola.

The defender came on to replace Matthew Pennington, whose hamstring injury will be assessed when Everton return to England to prepare to face Manchester United in Wayne Rooney’s testimonial at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Striker Romelu Lukaku, who has also been linked with a move away this summer, played an hour against Betis in his first appearance for Koeman since returning from an extended break after his Euro 2016 exploits with Belgium.