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Manchester United have entered the race for Everton's John Stones and they're ready to offer a defender in return say the Daily Mirror.

United are prepared to offer out-of-favour Jonny Evans as bait in a player-plus-cash deal to try to beat off competition from Chelsea and Manchester City.

Louis van Gaal, who has missed out on long-term target Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid, is still in the market for a new centre-half.

They have yet to make a formal approach but have made discreet enquiries about Stones, 21, as the bidding war hots up. Chelsea have already had two offers turned down but are confident that the England prospect wants to move to ­Stamford Bridge.

They went in with £20million, had a £26million bid rejected, and are preparing a third offer.

City are also watching closely, even though Everton are adamant they have no intention of selling their prize asset.

But United believe a big cash offer plus Northern Ireland defender Evans may tempt the Goodison hierarchy.

The Blues furious by Chelsea’s very public pursuit of Stones and that may give an advantage to the Manchester clubs. City spent a British record for a defender of £32million on Eliaquim Mangala last summer but still want another defender to strengthen their squad.

Everton are under no financial pressure to sell Stones and value the England international at more than what City paid for Mangala.

But United are also spending big and they all regard Stones as the best young English defensive prospect in the top flight.

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With both Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz having been released this summer, Everton are looking to add in central defence and they are again being linked to Udinese’s Thomas Heurtaux.

Serie A champions Juventus are also admirers of the Frenchman but Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset say that Roberto Martinez is leading the chase for the 27-year-old and the Blues are expected to open talks soon.

Meanwhile, Celta Vigo coach Eduardo Berizzo has admitted to Spanish publication El Mundo Deportivo he’s powerless to stop Everton target Nolito from leaving the Galician club.

Blues boss Roberto Martinez will be encouraged as he is in the market for a new playmaker and admitted than he thinks he’ll be forced to look abroad.

Nolito, 28, recently extended his contract until 2019 but his new deal includes a £12.6million release clause.

Berizzo said: “If someone pays his release clause, we will find a replacement just as we would do with any other player.

“It would be an important loss for us and it would mean we would have to search for an important replacement.

“At times, change means new enthusiasm. Whoever leaves [the club], we will find a replacement in the market.”

Blues transfer tracker