Barcelona have ended their interest in signing Everton defender John Stones, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.
The Catalans are understood to be concerned that the Barnsley-born England international would struggle to adapt to La Liga, while they are also unwilling to enter into a bidding war with top Premier League clubs for his signature.
Barca have had Stones under the microscope for some time, but after allegedly making enquiries into the player’s temperament and personality have decided not to pursue their interest.
In addition, the cost for the 21-year-old has been driven up by Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all declaring an interest, meaning he has become too expensive a risk for the European champions, and they now intend to pursue either Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos or Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte.
