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John Stones would welcome the chance to spend the rest of his career at Manchester City.

The centre-back was one of Pep Guardiola's first signings at the club in the summer of 2016, signing from Everton for £47.5m.

It has not been a straightforward two years for the England international as he has battled for form to reach his potential.

But the City manager has strongly backed his signing in public and believes there is even more to come from the 24-year-old.

Having seen many of his teammates sign up to new contracts, Stones is very much open to extending his stay in Manchester beyond 2022.

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“I would love to (spend the rest of his career at City),” he told the Telegraph.

“What excites me is that a lot of the lads have signed long contracts and I’d love to play with all of them for years to come.”

As well as establishing himself as a regular partner for Aymeric Laporte in central defence, Stones has also played in defensive midfield and at right-back this season.

"He can't play winger, attacking midfielder or striker," said Guardiola.

"I think it's good for the young players like John Stones that they learn to play in different positions.

"It helps him become more intelligent, to understand the game more, and he has more chances to play regularly because the manager needs him in other positions.

"He can play different positions and that is good for him, because we cannot forget he is only 24. He has a long career in front of him."