Everton will be busy this summer – and one player who has been linked with a move to Merseyside is John Stones.
The Toffees had a quiet January despite a lot of speculation swirling about new additions.
In the end, only Tyrique George arrived on loan from Chelsea.
Everton will likely have a radically different summer window though, with a number of positions in need of strengthening.
The full-back positions will be high on the agenda, as will the signing of a new striker.
Everton may also be in the market for a new centre-back, with Michael Keane out of contract.
Ross Sykes is thought to be on Everton’s radar, and Marcos Senesi of Bournemouth has also been mentioned.
A John Stones return has also been mooted – but one claim made yesterday could mean a move will be very difficult to pull off.
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John Stones’ demands could prevent Everton free transfer
John Stones claps fans.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
According to Mark Brus in The Daily Briefing (Caught Offside), Stones is likely to leave Manchester City this summer.
It’s suggested that the centre-back won’t be offered a new deal, and will leave when his current one expires.
But unfortunately for Everton, it appears the chances of a free swoop are slim to none.
Brus says that: “I’m also told that a potential return to Everton is a non-starter due to Stones’ salary demands, so I wouldn’t read too much into that speculation for now.”
Everton are not the only club linked with Stones.
Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are all mentioned, and the likelihood is that those clubs will have no issues meeting Stones’ wage demands.
Everton’s Stones hopes not completely dead if Jack Grealish rejoins
John Stones and Jack Grealish in conversation.
Photo By Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images
It remains to be seen if a move for Stones really will be off the table.
He has been on a huge contract at City and it may well be that Everton simply cannot afford that kind of outlay.
But maybe Stones will be open to a reduction, in favour of a big signing-on fee.
With Jack Grealish done for the season, let us know your verdict on his campaign! 🤔
He provided six assists and two goals in the Premier League 👏
Jack Grealish of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan.
And given that Everton are likely to make a push to sign Grealish then perhaps that’s another factor that could convince Stones to come.
Stones and Grealish are very close, so the winger does rejoin the club next season – and both he and Everton want that to happen – perhaps Stones will follow him to Merseyside.
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