Everton 'holding talks' about John Stones deal after Arsenal and Chelsea update

Everton are holding internal talks about whether to make a move for John Stones as Arsenal and Chelsea ready formal offers.

The 32-year-old left Man City upon the expiry of his contract last month after he made just 18 appearances under Pep Guardiola in a season plagued with injuries.

That has led to growing concerns at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but his experience and quality when fit mean Everton, alongside their rivals, are still considering a move.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown, who worked closely alongside David Moyes, told Football Insider that the Everton boss would be keen to bring Stones back to Merseyside.

Stones departed Everton to join Man City in a deal worth £50million in 2016, and the possibility of a reunion ten years later is something they plan to explore.

However, despite a belief that the England international would be a major upgrade on their current options, his fitness is a major concern and could see them walk away.

Will Everton make a move to sign John Stones?

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in May that Everton have spoken to Stones and his reperesentatives about the possibility of a summer move.

However, doubts have crept in behind the scenes about whether he can stay fit for a siginficant enough period to make a difference to Moyes' side.

With Arsenal and Chelsea now readying moves for the centre-back, Everton will be forced to make a decision soon, and they have held discussions about their decision.

"Everton have some doubts about Stones that have been lingering," Brown told Football Insider.

"He barely played at all last season, it was something like 15 games and some of those were only from the bench, and that's a major concern for any player.

"His injury issues have been well-documented, they're no secret, and they will be a problem for whichever club wants to sign him.

"David Moyes is an admirer of his, and of course he is, because Stones is a very talented player who can bring a lot to the team if he can stay fit, but that is a big if.

"So Everton will be holding talks behind the scenes with the manager, the recruitment team, everybody, to assesss whether or not they should make a move.

"It's a decision they'll have to make sooner rather than later because of the other interest in him, so it's about whether the pros outweigh the cons."

What is the latest on Chelsea's interest in Stones?

Everton's long-standing interest in Stones has been clear, but they will now face stiff competition for his signature, with some of the league's biggest clubs joining the race.

Arsenal have also been long-term admirers of the centre-back, with Mikel Arteta keen to work with him again as he aims to add depth and experience to his squad.

Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 22 July that Chelsea have registered their interest in Stones and are now exploring a move to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are keen to add experience and know-how to what is a young squad under Xabi Alonso, and have identified the England international as the ideal target.

The England international is believed to want a two or three-year contract rather than a short-term deal, leading to some concerns about his fitness, but not deterring his suitors.