Michael Keane, John Stones: Everton defender plan revealed
Michael Keane is set to depart Everton when his contract expires next month but there are concerns about John Stones replacing him, sources have told Football Insider.
The Man City star is on Everton’s radar with a year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, with a return to Merseyside on the cards.
However, sources say Everton are “concerned” about the 30-year-old’s availability given the number of games he has missed through injury in recent seasons.
Stones 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.
The centre-back left Goodison Park to join Man City in a deal worth £47.5million in 2016 which made him, at the time, the world’s second-most expensive defender.
He has since gone on to make 277 appearances for City and 83 for England, and has lifted six Premier Leagues, four League Cups, two FA Cups and one Champions League.
Everton uncertain about John Stones move after Man City latest
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City will listen to offers for Stones as he is no longer part of Pep Guardiola’s plans.
He also told Football Insider in March that Man City want to replace Stones as they share Everton’s concerns about his injury record.
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.
Everton rank highly among those clubs as Stones would be viewed as the type of high-profile signing they want to make ahead of their move to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Keane will “definitely” leave Everton and work is ongoing to sign at least one new centre-back this summer.
Liam Delap update emerges after new talks held
Stones is not the only player who could come through the doors at Everton this summer as they continue to plan an ambitious squad overhaul.
Brown told Football Insider on 6 May that Everton are holding talks with Liam Delap in an effort to convince the Ipswich star of a move to Merseyside.
The Toffees are aware that interest from Man United, Chelsea and Newcastle will make the deal difficult, but are prepared to do everything they can to convince him.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Man United are leading the race for Delap ahead of both Chelsea and Newcastle.
For more Everton and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.