'I've heard from some very good sources' - John Stones to Everton update from insider
John Stones' possible move to Everton has been plunged into doubt due to concerns over his injury issues and adaptation to their playing style.
The England centre-back is about to become a free agent as he leaves Man City at the end of his contract.
Stones has proven himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League over the last ten years since he left Everton to move to the Etihad Stadium.
He has been linked with a move back to Merseyside, but former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that they remain undecided on a move due to several worries about his suitability.
Stones featured just 18 times across all competitions last season, with Pep Guardiola only handing him five Premier League starts despite being fit for the majority of the campaign.
He also recently turned 32, and would have to adapt to playing a completely different way if he were to join David Moyes' squad soon.
John Stones' Everton return remains uncertain as Man City exit looms
Stones started England's first World Cup clash against Croatia last week, and is playing for a move as he aims to deliver some long-awaited silverware to the country.
Sources have told Football Insider that Everton have held internal talks about approaching Stones, with Bayern Munich also linked with a move.
“John Stones has a reputation as a person of being top class, and I have no reason to dispute that whatsoever, as I've heard that from some very good sources. But, you ain't on the team sheet," Brown exclusively told Football Insider.
“I keep asking, why is it, has he got a dicky knee or something? What is it that prevents him playing the game? I know he can be quality, he's good on the ball and he can pass.
“Teams might be prepared to take a chance on him because their chief centre halves are on their way out, they might be getting past the sell-by date. Are you bringing Stones in to replace them on a regular basis?
“I’d struggle to justify that one. I would certainly see that one as a risk, but you know, we've seen what he can do in the Premier League when he is fit and he can be one of the best defenders in the league on his best day. You've got to remember he's been playing in the Manchester City team who have the ball for nearly all of the match.
"What's he like when the pressure's coming on him for 90 minutes, you know? When it's incessant and you can't get out of your half. Which is what can happen to Everton, or anybody else, most other Premier League clubs. It's a dilemma for whoever wants to take him.”
What has Moyes said about Stones recently?
Some eyebrows were raised when Stones was named in England's World Cup opener last week, given his lack of game time over the last 12 months.
Moyes was asked about the selection of his former player live on talkSPORT as a reunion is mooted, and he defended the 32-year-old while praising his qualities.
He said: "I thought his [Tuchel’s] team selection was really good. It was a bit surprising, maybe, to some people that John Stones started, since he hasn’t played an awful lot, but he is an exceptional player and Thomas likes him a lot.”