Recent rumors have emerged that Everton defender John Stones had expressed his preference to stay in northwest England instead of moving to London if he decides to exit Goodison Park at the end of the season.

Foremost of these London clubs that are interested in Stones is the reigning English Premier League champs Chelsea FC, who had still failed to acquire the 21-year-old center back last summer after multiple bid revisions.

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However, Daily Mail Online indicated that the Barnsley, England native prefers to remain in the northwest region of his home country, which currently houses both Manchester squads, United and City, who are also two of the most well-known clubs that are said to be targeting Stones.

While Stones did not mention which particular northwest England squad he is more likely to choose, the Red Devils chances of landing the 6-foot-2 defender had certainly increased a lot after the declaration.

United head coach Louis van Gaal has been eager in finding a suitable defender after his resident starter, 20-year-old Luke Shaw, was injured during the team's Champions League opening match against PSV Eindhoven.

Stones had been one of van Gaal's targets ever since, but the Old Trafford giants did not make a move for him during this January winter window.

Caught Offside noted that United faces stiff competition from their "cross town rivals", Manchester City, especially now that current Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola, said to be the most sought-after football manager in the world today, is on his way to the Etihad this summer.

It was also reported that City is "keen on recruiting the 21-year-old as incoming manager Pep Guardiola looks to solve the club's problems at the heart of the defense".

Everton, on the other hand, is also keen on keeping their young defender, but it will take a lot from the Merseyside squad to retain him as wealthy heavyweights United and City are the favorites to land Stones next season.

Tags Football Transfer Rumors, John Stones, Everton FC, Manchester United, Manchester City