MANCHESTER, England, Aug 9: Manchester City has signed England center back John Stones for a reported 50 million pounds ($65 million) in the Premier League club's latest expensive attempt to improve the team's defense.

City announced the transfer on Tuesday, saying Stones has signed a six-year deal. He is City's eighth offseason signing under new coach Pep Guardiola.

Stones, a ball-playing defender, wasn't even a regular for Everton last season.

The 22-year-old Stones says: "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."

City spent an estimated 60 million pounds on center backs Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi over the past two seasons, but still heavily relies on injury-prone captain Vincent Kompany.

The announcement came after UEFA listed Stones in City's squad for the Champions League playoff round even before the defender had publicly completed the move.

 
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