John Stones does not look bothered by Manchester City transfer speculation as he plays for Everton in pre-season tonight

JOHN STONES does not look like the saga surrounding his £50million move to Manchester City is affecting one bit as he appeared for Everton in pre-season tonight.

He kept an assured head and did not pull out of any tackles as he started for the Toffees against German side Dynamo Dresden.

He also headed narrowly over the bar after Dresden took the lead, before Gerard Deulofeu’s free-kick brought the scores level again.

German second division side Dresden took the lead in the second half against the run of play just minutes before the impressive Stones was substituted for youngster Mason Holgate.

City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed the club will do everything in their power to sign central defender Stones, who joined Everton from Barnsley in 2013.

Stones, who nearly joined Chelsea last summer, was part of the England squad at Euro 2016 but did not feature as they were knocked out in the last 16.

Guardiola admitted he is unsure about the prospect of actually prising Stones away from Merseyside after re-opening talks over a prospective £50million move this week, saying: “Everyone knows we’re going to try but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Everton rejected a £40m offer earlier in the month and want a record fee for the Englishman.

It remains to be seen whether Stones taking part in the Dresden Cup throws a spanner in the works as Guardiola sets about bolstering his back line.

Everton are currently participating in a four-team tournament alongside hosts Dresden, Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen and La Liga club Real Betis.