Barcelona join race for Stones

Spanish giants Barcelona have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Everton defender John Stones, according to the Telegraph.

Scouts from the Catalan club were deployed to watch the twenty-one year old in England’s recent friendly against Spain.

The former Barnsley man didn’t actually feature in as the European Champions beat Roy Hodgson’s men, though his performance in the Three Lions’ victory over France four days later is sure to keep the La Liga leaders interested.

Barca centre-back Gerard Pique recently named Stones in his World XI and the Toffees man also has admirers from Manchester United, who could also enter the battle to secure his services.

Since arriving at Goodison Park in the summer of 2013, Stones has racked up sixty-five appearances in all competition, while his only goal for the Merseyside club so far came in a 3-0 over Louis van Gaal’s side towards the end of last season.