Everton have held ‘discussions’ over John Stones return, ‘from what I’m hearing’
Everton have been in talks with John Stones over the defender returning to Merseyside this summer, according to Keith Wyness.
The former Toffees chief executive, speaking to Football Insider, reveals that Bayern Munich could compete for Stones’ signature.
Stones has announced that he will be leaving Manchester City as a free agent at the end of the season, and the centre-back has previously enjoyed three years at Everton.
The 31-year-old has had his fair share of injury problems at the Etihad, and has struggled for game time this season amid strong competition for places in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Everton could look to strengthen defensively this summer as part of their transfer activity, with David Moyes set to be backed in the market by the ownership.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBJohn Stones an ‘option’ for Everton
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes it is not “nailed on” that Stones does return to the club.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks that a move to Bayern Munich could be more beneficial for the defender.
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He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “People think it’s a nice fairy tale for John to come back to the club where he came from.
“It would seem an easy option, but I’m not so convinced from what I’m hearing. It’s not necessarily nailed on, it’s an option and there’s been discussions, but certainly nothing finalised yet.
“It’s still 50-50. There are always going to be question marks about his injury situation at the moment. People might be getting a little bit carried away.
“There’s been interest, as I understand, from Bayern Munich and that may well be an option for him that he might prefer. He might get a better deal in terms of a lengthier contract from what I’m hearing. So it’s not certain, but it’s still definitely being discussed.”
Everton in pursuit of second Manchester City star
Stones may not be the only defender that Everton look to sign from Man City this summer, with Nathan Ake also linked with a move to Merseyside.
Sources told Football Insider that Ake is now a transfer target for Everton, with the Dutchman wanting greater playing time next season.
Ake has fallen down the pecking order under Guardiola since Guehi’s arrival in January, and has only started five Premier League games throughout the campaign.
Everton will face competition for the 31-year-old, with Man City happy to allow the versatile defender to end his six-year stay at the Etihad.
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