Worst kept secret: Manchester City sign England defender John Stones from Premier League rivals Everton

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of England centre back John Stones from Everton on a six-year contract.

British media reported that City paid 47.5 million (HK$478m) for the 22-year-old.

News that the deal was close had emerged earlier after Stones was included in City’s squad for their Champions League play-off against Steaua Bucharest on UEFA’s official website.

Stones, who joined Everton from Barnsley in 2013 for £3m, becomes the world’s second most expensive defender after Brazilian David Luiz, who moved from Chelsea to Paris St Germain for £50m in 2014.

“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,” said Stones.

“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.

“Now the deal’s done I’m looking forward to the next stage in my career.”

The 22-year-old, who was part of the England squad at Euro 2016 but did not feature as they crashed out in the last 16, was strongly linked with a move to Chelsea last year.

“John is an excellent young English defender and we are all really pleased he is joining us,” said City director of football Txiki Begiristain.

“We have worked hard to bring him to City and we feel we are signing one of the best central defenders in Europe.”

Additional reporting by Reuters