Manchester City have warned Everton they won't be held to ransom over John Stones' price.

The Sun says City's bid for Stones, 22, is around £40m — and they have told the Toffees to take it or leave it.

Director of football Txiki Begiristain is ready to play hardball with the Merseysiders.

And that will give new Goodison boss Ronald Koeman a dilemma as he will want the extra cash for a direct replacement and other reinforcements.

And the longer talks drag on, the less time he will have to make a move.