Manchester City sign Everton defender John Stones

Manchester City announced the deal on Twitter and their website after the story was confirmed when UEFA included him on their squad list for the club.

The 22-year old told ManCity.com: "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.

"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."

A fee of £47.3m, a six-year contract, plus the chance to work with Pep Guardiola, and to stay in the north of England, has meant a deal has been struck.

UEFA moved to address the situation in a statement released on the subject.

And Sky Sports have quoted a City source, saying the way the story has been leaked is a 'royal mess'.

City have recruited extensively in support of their new manager, and Stones will join Nolito, Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko as a summer arrival.

Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, said: “John is an excellent young English defender and we are all really pleased he is joining us. We have worked hard to bring him to City and we feel we are signing one of the best central defenders in Europe.”

And his new manager Guardiola praised Stones: "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.""