Sources: Everton plot ‘difficult’ John Stones deal as Man City exit offers emerge
Everton are weighing up the idea of re-signing their former centre-back John Stones as a free agent this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The defender looks increasingly likely to leave Manchester City at the end of the campaign, but a deal may be “difficult” for the Toffees to achieve at the moment.
Stones is currently on a significant contract at the Etihad Stadium, and it is understood that he may look to net a sizeable signing-on fee as part of his next move, due to the fact that no transfer fee will be needed.
Everton may be prepared to take their interest in the 31-year-old to the next level, but sources say that offers for him are expected from across the Premier League and beyond.
The England international has faced several injury problems in recent years, and could be open to the idea of a move abroad for a new challenge.
Who are Everton competing with for John Stones?
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider back in January that David Moyes “would love” to be able to bring Stones back to Everton this summer.
Brown previously worked with the Scottish boss during his time at West Ham, and he revealed that his former chief would view the City star as an improvement on his current defensive options.
However, with Stones set to be available on a free transfer, the Merseysiders look set to face a significant amount of competition in the race to secure his signature.
Brown told Football Insider last week that Bayern Munich are working on a deal to sign Stones, with his old centre-back partner Vincent Kompany trying to lure him to join his squad.
The pair shared several years together at the Etihad during the Belgian’s playing career, and he is now trying to use their relationship to steal a march on the rest of the competition.
The German giants are one of a few sides who have already been credited with an interest in the defender, and they represent a major rival for Everton as a result.
Liam Delap to be Everton’s next striker addition?
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Chelsea manager has no intention of letting Liam Delap leave the club this summer as Everton eye a deal for the 23-year-old.
Moyes and Co. have identified the youngster as an ideal candidate to provide additional depth to their group of strikes for next term, but Rosenior will only let him leave if Chelsea can get a fresh attacking addition of their own.
Delap has started just nine Premier League games for the West Londoners since his £30million move from Ipswich last summer, but Rosenior is keen to have three top-level frontmen at his disposal for next term.
As a result, it looks unlikely that Everton will be able to progress their interest any further at the moment, and they may have to begin to explore any additional targets who are on their radar.
For all the latest updates on Everton’s pursuit of Stones ahead of the summer, check out the dedicated Toffees coverage on Goodison News.