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Barcelona keeping tabs on Everton defender Stones

LONDON — Barcelona scouts were detailed to watch England’s friendly against Spain in Alicante last week, where they ran the rule over Everton defender John Stones against their nation’s best players.

Duncan Watmore (right) of Sunderland taking on John Stones on Nov 1. Barcelona are continuing to monitor Stones’ progress. Photo: Getty Images

Duncan Watmore (right) of Sunderland taking on John Stones on Nov 1. Barcelona are continuing to monitor Stones’ progress. Photo: Getty Images

LONDON — Barcelona scouts were detailed to watch England’s friendly against Spain in Alicante last week, where they ran the rule over Everton defender John Stones against their nation’s best players.

As it turned out, Stones did not play against Spain, but the central defender’s display in Tuesday’s victory over France will ensure Barcelona continue to monitor his progress.

Just days before facing England with Spain, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique named Stones as the only Englishman in his World XI in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

Pique’s high praise of “one of a new generation who understand football not just as a defender” is not seen as a coincidence. It is a technique of all of the world’s top clubs to enlist players and staff to try to turn the heads of targets and Pique’s words certainly served to highlight how highly thought of Stones is at the Camp Nou.

When Everton manager Roberto Martinez informed Stones, 21, that the club would not accept Chelsea’s bid of well over £30  million (S$65 million) during the summer, he added that he would one day move somewhere better than Stamford Bridge. Martinez may well have had Barcelona in mind — especially given the good relationship that has developed between the Euro champions and Everton over Gerard Deulofeu’s signing.

Moving abroad so early in his career might be a step Stones is unwilling to take. Another obstacle in the way of Barcelona’s interest would be his fee. Having seen off repeated bids from Chelsea, Everton will demand more than £40  million when they eventually agree to sell and Barcelona do not usually pay the biggest money on central defenders.

Chelsea will almost certainly make another play for Stones, in January or at the end of the season, but they also face major competition from Manchester United, who have long held an interest in Stones. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

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