John Stones is tipped to return to Everton this summer after leaving Manchester City on a free transfer. The England international, 32, has been linked with a move back to the Merseyside club, where he started his career under David Moyes in 2013.
What happened?
Stones left Everton almost 10 years ago to join Manchester City in a deal worth around £50million. He went on to win numerous trophies, including six Premier League titles.
The defender made just 18 appearances across all competitions last season, but would bring significant quality and experience to Everton. Bryan King, a former Everton scout and close ally of Moyes, has backed Stones to return to the club.
Why it matters for John Stones
Everton are keen to sign defenders this summer, having narrowly escaped a perilous situation this season. Jarrad Branthwaite was missing for almost the entirety of the season, with only the exceptional fitness of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane saving the Toffees from disaster.
A right-back and a centre-back are now sought at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Stones is among the players on their radar. King told Football Insider that Stones' contract runs out on June 30, and he could be playing in the latter stages of the World Cup as a free agent with no club.
What comes next?
The questions facing Everton on Stones are numerous, with his injuries being a major concern. Thigh problems kept Stones out for much of this season, and in previous campaigns, it has been the hamstring, the knee, the foot, and more.
Stones' wages at Manchester City were significant, and his injury record will decide whether Everton take a risk to sign him this summer. The last time the England international made over 25 Premier League appearances in a single season was his first campaign after leaving Everton.
Everton's decision-makers will be mulling over the risk of signing Stones, but King believes Moyes will want to bring him back to the club. King was involved in the original transfer when Stones was playing for Barnsley, and he liked the player's potential.
The transfer would be a significant coup for Everton, who are looking to strengthen their squad this summer. Stones' experience and quality would be a major asset to the team, and his return would be a major boost to the fans.
The World Cup will be a major factor in Stones' future, with the defender expected to play a part in the remainder of the tournament. His performance on the international stage will be closely watched by Everton's decision-makers, who will be weighing up the risks and benefits of signing him.
For now, Stones' future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear - he will be a major target for Everton this summer. The club's fans will be hoping that Moyes can pull off the signing, which would be a major coup for the team.
The transfer window is set to be an exciting one for Everton, with Stones' potential return being just one of the many storylines to watch. The club's decision-makers will be working hard to strengthen the squad, and Stones' signing would be a major step in the right direction.