Bayern Munich ‘working on’ John Stones signing after Man City deal agreed
Bayern Munich have turned their attentions towards signing John Stones after Man City beat them to the signing of Marc Guehi in the January transfer window.
Bayern had been strong admirers of Guehi and had hoped to tempt him into joining England captain Harry Kane and former teammate Michael Olise in Germany.
However, Man City‘s £20million offer to Crystal Palace saw them move ahead of the competition to land the centre-back rather than waiting to secure his services for free.
As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Bayern are eyeing Stones thanks to his relationship with Vincent Kompany.
Man City have no plans to renew Stones’ contract as things stand amid concerns about his fitness, but the Bundesliga champions are willing to take the gamble.
- Read more: Man City already have their Stones replacement.
Bayern Munich set sights on John Stones deal
Brown told Football Insider in September that Man City would like to extend Stones’ contract, with his experience and leadership seen as crucial for their young squad.
However, his ongoing injury problems this season have forced them into a U-turn over his future, and clubs now believe they will be able to poach him away.
“Bayern Munich will be working on a deal for Stones, I expect,” Brown told Football Insider.
“They want a new centre-back in the summer, they thought it was going to be Marc Guehi but City beat them to him, so who else is available?
“Stones stands out as the clear contender when you look at who’s available for free, and they’ll want to make progress towards an agreement when his contract runs out.
“He’s an England international and when he’s fit he’s a top-line player, and the Bundesliga is less demanding physically than the Premier League.
“Plus, Vincent Kompany knows him well after they played together at City.
“There are obvious concerns about his fitness, he hasn’t been fit to play for City when they’ve had major problems at the back, so it’s difficult to assess his position.
“He only plays about 20 games per season at the moment and that’s not good enough for any top side.
“But if Bayern Munich feel they can manage his issues better than City have, and think they can get the best out of him, then it could be a good move for them.”
- Read more: Man City fans have insisted Stones is “finished”.
Everton to rival Bayern Munich in race to sign Stones
Bayern are not the only club who have been put on alert by Stones’ potential availability, with Everton also keeping a close eye on his situation at the Etihad.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Everton would like to re-sign Stones despite concerns about his fitness record in recent months.
David Moyes is believed to be a big fan of the England international and would see him as an upgrade on his current options in central defence.
Stones has made just 14 appearances across all competitions so far this season through various muscle injuries, but returned in City’s 2-0 win against Salford City.
The Toffees are keen to bolster their defensive options and the opportunity to sign the England international for free has placed them on alert.
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