Exclusive: Everton backed by Paul Robinson to sign Leeds sensation

Paul Robinson has claimed that Leeds United loan sensation Ben White is "already a lot better than John Stones" as Everton look to sign a centre-half this summer.

The former England number one, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, insisted that Stones, 26, needs to move away from Manchester City this summer but was unconvinced that Carlo Ancelotti would want him.

Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Pep Guardiola deems the centre-back as surplus to requirements at the Etihad.

Stones has made just 20 appearances this season with midfielders Fernandinho and Rodri often preferred in the heart of defence.

Robinson recommended the Toffees sign Brighton's Ben White, who is valued at £35million, over the England international.

"Ben White would make a lot more sense than John Stones," he told Football Insider.

"He is already a lot better than Stones in my opinion.

"I am unsure whether Stones is an Ancelotti type of player. Michael Keane and Holgate have done really well, Holgate especially. Since returning from his loan at West Brom he has been outstanding.

"I cannot see Stones as part of the plans at Goodison Park.

"There is a reason he is surplus to requirements at Manchester City and they have struggled in that position all season.

"They have played a 35-year-old midfielder in Fernandinho over an England international defender - that cannot be good for your confidence. For whatever reasons Pep Guardiola does not want to play him.

"If he wants to get into the Euro squad he needs to be playing regularly. He needs to play at his age and he will have to look elsewhere."

In other Everton news, it can be REVEALED that club are lining up formal bid for Rangers star.

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