Jack Grealish drops John Stones hint on Instagram as Everton set to ready move
Jack Grealish sent a message to former Everton defender John Stones on Wednesday as he made his return to Premier League action.
The 31-year-old has not appeared in the league since the start of December, and was brought on for the final stages of the Citizens’ 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola’s team remain in with a chance of catching Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title, with just a two-point gap between the sides going into the final two games.
Stones has already confirmed that he will be leaving Man City at the end of his contract next month, with potential suitors beginning to circle.
Everton transfer chiefs are expected to be among them, with the England international having enjoyed his breakthrough at Goodison Park.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBJack Grealish sends John Stones message
Former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider last week that Everton have held talks over signing Stones this summer.
David Moyes is keen to add quality to his back line in the coming months, especially after Jarrad Branthwaite suffered yet another injury to his hamstring.
| Everton defender | Appearances 2025-26 (All competitions) |
| Vitalli Mykolenko | 34 |
| Michael Keane | 33 |
| James Tarkowski | 38 |
| Jarrad Branthwaite | 10 |
| Jake O’Brien | 38 |
The 23-year-old has been plagued by issues with his hamstrings all season, only making his first appearance of the campaign at the end of January.
Luckily, he has avoided surgery on this occasion, and Everton will hope to have Branthwaite back for the start of next season.
But Moyes will be wary that 33-year-olds Michael Keane and James Tarkowski cannot be relied on to start every single game again, while Jake O’Brien lacks cover on the right.
Stones is not exactly ready to start 38 games either, but the six-time Premier League winner could be a brilliant option for rotation.
Grealish was watching on as he returned to action on Wednesday, posting a picture of the defender and writing: “Jonny, Jonnny Stones”.
Everton could be set to raid Manchester City
Everton are expected to attempt to agree a permanent deal to sign Grealish this summer after a positive loan spell.
The winger arrived at Hill Dickinson Stadium last summer, with an option to buy worth around £50million inserted into the loan deal.
But the Toffees were never likely to pay that for the 30-year-old, who has spent most of the second half of the season out with a foot injury.
The interest in Man City players does not stop at Grealish and Stones, however. Nathan Ake is also set to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Everton reportedly attempted to sign the Netherlands international last summer, and could now be set to return as they attempt a triple-deal with the Citizens.
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