‘Man City plan to accept John Stones offer after Pep Guardiola green light’
Man City are prepared to accept offers for John Stones ahead of the summer transfer window amid uncertainty over his future.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola no longer sees Stones as part of his long-term plans.
The 30-year-old has started just 13 games across all competitions so far this season, missing a total of 30 games for club and country through various injuries.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in March that Man City will let Stones leave amid growing concerns about his injury issues.
A number of Premier League sides are believed to be keeping an eye on the situation and could make a move if given the green light.
City are also considering potential replacements, while the signing of Abdukodir Khusanov was fast-tracked in January to provide an additional option at the back.
John Stones to leave Man City as replacement already signed
Brown told Football Insider in February that Man City are lining up five new signings ahead of the transfer window, with Stones one of the players set to be replaced.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that work has been ongoing to replace the defender.
“Man City will look to move Stones on,” he told Football Insider.
“They went and got Khusanov in the January transfer window because they’re already putting plans in place to replace Stones.
“They may go and get another defender if he leaves, because they don’t want to weaken the squad.
“Stones was, and is when he’s fit, a very very good player – but how often is he fit at the moment?
“From Guardiola’s point of view, how can you plan for the future and have him as a part of those plans if you never know whether he’ll be available?
“So I think if somebody wants to make a move for him this summer, City will listen to them.
“There’s no shortage of interest given his quality, but the drawback is always hit fitness issues.
“If he’s fit, he’s more than good enough to be at Man City, but he isn’t fit often enough.
“It’s been a major, major issue for them and now might be the time to cut ties.“
Ederson to quit the Etihad as replacement lined up
Stones is not the only long-serving player who could be allowed to leave the Etihad this summer amid speculation about the future of Ederson.
Brown told Football Insider on 2 May that Man City are prepared to sell Ederson and will use the money to sign Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Costa’s ability with the ball at his feet is seen as a key asset for City and at just 25 years old, he could become their starting keeper for the foreseeable future.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Ederson is likely to leave Man City this summer as there is “massive” clamour for his signature in Saudi Arabia.
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