Manchester City officially announce signing of John Stones after Champions League squad mishap

Manchester City have moved quickly following Tuesday morning's (9 August) Champions League squad controversy to officially confirm the signing of John Stones from Everton. The 22-year-old England international has signed a six-year deal at the Etihad Stadium for a fee believed to be in the region of £47.5m ($61.6m) that leaves him just behind David Luiz as the second most expensive defender in football history.

City were expected to formally announce Stones's arrival swiftly after it emerged that the player was listed ahead of Eliaquim Mangala on the Uefa website as featuring in Pep Guardiola's squad for the upcoming two-legged Champions League preliminary tie against Romanian outfit Steaua Bucharest.

According to The Sun, the club planned to unveil the centre-back today (9 August) but were caught out by the deadline for squad lists, which had to be submitted by Monday evening.

"I'm absolutely delighted to sign for City and now the deal's done I'm looking forward to the next stage in my career," Stones told City's official website. "I've obviously seen what's going on here at the Etihad, it's an ambitious club with a great manager so I can't wait to get stuck in and help achieve the goals.

"I know it will be tough getting a place in this team but I'm determined to become the best player I can be and help us to success. I had a wonderful time with Everton and wish them and their fans all the best, but now I'll give my all for City."

Guardiola, who has already recruited seven new faces ahead of his first season at City in Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Aleksandar Zinchenko, Aaron Mooy, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Marlos Moreno, added: " We want to help John show his quality with us and improve on what he has already achieved. I like the way he plays the game and I'm looking forward to welcoming him into the squad."

Stones has been allocated the number 24 shirt at City and will hope to make his debut on Saturday (13 August) as the club begin the new Premier League campaign at home to David Moyes's Sunderland. Everton, meanwhile, will now be expected to step up their prolonged pursuit of the Swansea City's stalwart captain Ashley Williams.

Newly promoted Championship club Barnsley will be delighted with City's decision to spend so heavily on Stones. As part of a hefty sell-on clause inserted into the deal when he left for Everton in 2013, the Tykes stand to earn at least £7m.