Manchester City interested in John Stones and Leroy Sane says Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City's interest in signing Everton defender John Stones and Schalke star Leroy Sane in the summer transfer window. The two players are linked with a move away from their current employers as they have been tracked by the Premier League clubs.

City are not the only side looking at Stones. According to The Telegraph, their local rivals Manchester United are also looking at the option of securing the services of the 22-year-old. The Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho is targeting a move in securing a deal for the centre-back.

The 20-time English champions are also looking at the option of competing with City for the German international's signature as United are also interested in Sane. The Old Trafford club may face an uphill task in landing the Schalke forward after Guardiola revealed he is looking to bring both Sane and Stones to the Etihad this summer.

"If he comes we'll be happy, if he stays in Schalke I will be happy for the fans and for the Schalke club," Guardiola explained, as quoted by ESPN.

"It's the same answer for Sane — he's a player for Everton. Everybody knows we're going to try but I don't know what's going to happen. I'm very happy with the squad we have, in the way they train and play. That's all I can say."

The Sun reported that Sane is valued around £41.5m ($54.7m) by Schalke. The player is keen on completing a move to City and the Bundesliga outfit's director of football Christian Heidel admitted that his side are keen on allowing the forward to join the Premier League outfit.

"Like us, Manchester City also must think about itself, as both teams have to take into account the further planning in the transfer market," The Sun quoted Heidel as saying.

Meanwhile, Everton have rejected City's first bid of £40m for Stones. The Daily Mail claims Guardiola's side are closing on Stones with an improved bid of £50m ($65.9m).