John Stones concerns emerge as Everton ready talks for bargain transfer
Everton could potentially open talks to sign Manchester City centre-back John Stones for free in the upcoming transfer window.
The Toffees may work on the defender’s return if conditions are favourable, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season.
John Stones has been linked with a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the prospect of returning to the Blues on the cards after a decade.
David Moyes has heavily relied on Michael Keane this season, but with the England international’s deal at the Merseyside outfit in its final months, they could look for reinforcements at the back sooner rather than later.
Everton concerned about John Stones fitness
Stones’ injury record at Man City isn’t encouraging for the Toffees, according to TEAMtalk.
The news outlet reports on 10 February that while the Blues have their eyes on the 31-year-old, his consistent fitness issues at the Etihad Stadium are a concern.
Moyes was the one who signed Stones from Barnsley in 2013, and they may be on for a reunion at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The centre-back has won six Premier League titles and a Champions League during his time at the Cityzens, and it remains to be seen whether he will stay in Manchester beyond the current campaign.
As things stand, Pep Guardiola has the likes of Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov at his disposal, and Stones may struggle for game time in the coming years if he stays at the Sky Blues.
Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with Man City in the past, and the Merseyside outfit may have to replace the talented 23-year-old in the summer.
Manchester City transfer that is more realistic than John Stones at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Man City defender Nathan Ake was wanted by Everton last summer, with the Netherlands international struggling for game time at the Etihad Stadium.
It would certainly be more realistic for the Toffees to pursue a deal for the 30-year-old, who will have one year remaining on his contract at the Cityzens at the end of the season.
Ake surely isn’t as important for Guardiola as Stones, but everything will depend on whether the England international will stay at the Sky Blues.
The Merseyside outfit will also be hoping to negotiate another deal for Jack Grealish at the end of the season, and the conversations with Man City will be worth watching closely.