‘John Stones could join Everton this week’ as Manchester City backed to accept minimal fee
John Stones could make a surprise return to Everton before the January transfer window ends.
The Toffees have been linked to various defensive options this winter, with Everton’s most recent target emerging as Sacha Boey.
It feels as if David Moyes needs reinforcements, especially after yet another frustrating Everton performance against Leeds United on Monday.
Things haven’t been helped by Jack Grealish’s injury that could see him ruled out at Everton until April, if not longer.
The Blues may still turn to Manchester City for another transfer, with a deal for Stones potentially there to be done on Merseyside.
John Stones could complete late January switch to Everton
Stones has been linked with an Everton return previously after many years of success at the Etihad Stadium under Pep Guardiola.
The England international has been a virtual ever-present under the Spaniard, but it feels as if his time at City is slowly coming to an end.
His minutes are only likely to fall away if he stays with the Citizens, especially now Marc Guehi has been signed from Crystal Palace.
Former Everton scout Bryan King believes this could open Stones up to a Merseyside return, with a cut-price deal potentially set to be done in the coming days.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, King said: “Everton could bring back John Stones.
“I know they need a central defender, and I know they’ve spoken about Stones before.
“For Manchester City to bring in Guehi, it looks like the door is open for Stones to leave.
“I think Stones would be allowed to leave Manchester City for a very minimal fee because he’s given them great service.
“I was at Everton when they brought him in for £1.2m and then sold him for £50m. I think Man City have had £50m-worth out of him, that’s for sure.
“I could see him joining someone like Everton this week for a small fee.
“Stones needs games, and he’s not going to get them at Man City, so that could be beneficial for Everton.“
Stones would be perfect for Everton right now
The Toffees just can’t maintain positive form at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, even if their away form is at a top level right now.
Adding the experience of someone like Stones could be the perfect move to help add some stability and true professionalism to Moyes’ squad.
John Stones trophy cabinet:
- Champions League (1) – 2022/23
- Premier League (6) – 2017/18, 2018/19, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24
- FA Cup (2) – 2018/19, 2022/23
- EFL Cup (4) – 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21
- FIFA Club World Cup (1) – 2023
- UEFA Super Cup (1) – 2023/24
The Englishman has won it all at City and knows when to play and when to bide your time, so signing him on the cheap may prove to be very wise.
There doesn’t seem to be a loser in this move, so the Blues will just have to wait to see what sort of agreement can be reached with Man City.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.