Barcelona Transfer News: John Stones Rumours Emerge, Latest on Ezequiel Lavezzi

Barcelona will battle Manchester United and Chelsea for the services of John Stones, as the Everton defender has emerged as one of European football's most prized talents. 

Matt Law of the Telegraph reported Blaugrana scouts were tasked to watch Stones over the recent programme of international fixtures, and the defender sufficiently impressed, ensuring Barca will continue to "monitor his progress."

Barca centre-back Gerard Pique recently lauded the young England international, naming Stones in his best world XI alongside himself and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, per the Telegraph's Jason Burt: 

"

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry were the two main central defenders in England. Top-level. Now I think John Stones is a really, really, good player. He will have a good career. He’s like Rio, a bit. He’s young and alongside him they probably need one who is more experienced.

"

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Law said Pique's praise of Stones is "not seen as a coincidence," as Barca consider a move to unite the two players in their defence. 

The 21-year-old has rapidly grown on Merseyside, seeing his reputation and value rocket over the past 12 months.

However, Everton coach Roberto Martinez said he has no intention of allowing Stones to depart, per Tony Barrett of the Times:

According to the Mirror's Darren Lewis back in October, Chelsea will continue their quest to sign Stones with a fresh offer in January after an unsuccessful chase in the last transfer window.

United have also held a "long held an interest in Stones," per Law, but the club opted not to enter into a bidding war with Chelsea in the summer. 

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The centre-back has continued to impress for the Goodison Park club this term, featuring 10 times in the Premier League, per WhoScored.com.

Law praised Stones for his efforts against France at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, as the youngster looked calm and assured against the Euro 2016 hosts:

Despite his young age, Stones appears to be developing into one of the best central defenders in Europe.

Everton will struggle to hold onto the player over the next transfer window, and the player seems destined to move to a Champions League giant in due course.

Lavezzi Wants Barca Move

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has admitted he would love a move to Barcelona.

The Argentina international said it would be a "dream" to link up with manager Luis Enrique's side, as the player's future remains uncertain, per FourFourTwo (h/t the Mirror).

Sport (h/t Football Italia) reported the attacker, whose contract with PSG expires in June, will consider his options at the end of the campaign, with Juventus also supposedly in the running to sign Lavezzi:

Lavezzi would offer Barca reinforcement in attack, replacing the ability Pedro Rodriguez brought to the squad before his move to Chelsea in the summer. 

Enrique has seen his team remain strong in La Liga despite the absence of Lionel Messi, but it is clear he needs to strengthen the forward line.

More injuries would see the Camp Nou team struggle, but the addition of Lavezzi would give the club a top-class option up top, enabling further rotation of Barca's stars.