Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, has claimed that John Stones remains a key player at the club as he strongly denied speculation the England defender could leave in the summer.

Stones has not featured for the Premier League champions since the beginning of March after he picked up an abductor injury on international duty.

There had been rumours the centre-back, who signed a six-year contract when he joined from Everton for £47.5 million in August 2016, could be a surprise departure.

However, Guardiola was unequivocal when asked to respond to rumours the 23-year-old could be among those who could leave the Etihad Stadium.

“I don’t know how people believe we’re going to sell John Stones,”