Man City ‘plan to accept John Stones offer’ as ‘replacement lined up’
Man City are prepared to accept an offer John Stones in the summer amid ongoing concerns about his recent injury record.
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 the 30-year-old is no longer a part of Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans.
Meanwhile, City’s recruitment team have been working hard behind the scenes to identify potential replacements for Stones should he leave the club.
So far this season, the centre-back has started just 13 times for City and has missed 28 games for club and country through various injuries.
Most recently, a hamstring injury picked up in February is expected to rule him out for the rest of the season, as Man City fans have suggested Stones could retire.
As a result, they are prepared to listen to offers after Football Insider reported last summer that Bayern Munich want to sign Stones as Vincent Kompany is a big fan.
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.
Man City plan to sign John Stones replacement after exit twist
Brown told Football Insider last month that Stones is one of a number of players who could be replaced as Man City line up five big-name signings.
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 explained that the defender’s ongoing injury issues have been a concern for Guardiola.
“It doesn’t surprise me to hear City want to move him on,” he told Football Insider.
“I think if any offers come in for him, maybe from Saudi or wherever, they’ll listen to them.
“There comes a point where you have to look at his injury record and consider he’s only likely to play around a third of the games, so you’re calling on people to fill in.
“That can happen to players, it’s unfortunate and it might just be bad luck.
“But Man City are trying to build a team that can regularly challenge for trophies.
“I’ve said it many times before, having a stable defensive unit is the foundation of all good teams.
“Even this City team, the back two of Dias and Stones was key, but they’re hardly available now.
“There have been question marks about Stones’ fitness for a while, but this season has been a bad one for him with injuries and whatnot.
“City are going to be working behind the scenes to identify replacements for him.
“It’s such an important position they can’t leave it and hope he’ll be fit, they’ll want a solid option who they know will be available week in week out.“
Pep Guardiola to make Jack Grealish at the Etihad
Stones has not been the only Man City star linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer, as his England teammate Jack Grealish has also been subject to speculation.
The winger has scored just two goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions so far and has failed to find the net in 16 Premier League games.
As a result, Brown told Football Insider that Guardiola will decide whether to sell Grealish come the summer or whether he still has a role to play in the squad.
City have previously raised concerns about Grealish’s performances this season as he has struggled to make a significant impact when called upon.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.