Manchester United scouts have been keeping tabs on talented Everton defender John Stones as his future remains far from certain, according to the Daily Express.
Reports close to the Red Devils claim that manager Louis van Gaal is still keen to snag a deal to sign the England international next summer.
Chelsea underwent a lengthy pursuit of the 21-year-old over the summer but failed to prize him away from Goodison Park with a series of multi-million pound bids.
The Toffees were offered a top price of £38m for the defender but Roberto Martinez refused to sanction a sale.
However, the Manchester Evening News reports that United are lining up a £45million offer, which they believe will be enough to bring him to Old Trafford.
But the report goes on to state that their interest is still in its early stages, and they are considering other options before tabling a concrete offer.
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