New City manager Pep Guardiola has earmarked Stones as a key part of his revolution and his determination to get the 22-year-old was strengthened by Aymeric Laporte’s decision to stay at Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea have also been chasing Stones, but City are confident that their willingness to spend so big on the England international has effectively made it a one-horse race for his signature.

City also believe Stones has already made his mind up that he wants to move to the Etihad, with sources in the England camp claiming it was an open secret during Euro 2016.