Everton manager David Moyes looking in the direction of England international John Stones, who is playing at the World Cup against Croatia.
Everton manager David Moyes looking in the direction of England international John Stones, who is playing at the World Cup against Croatia.
John Stones has proven to Everton fans at the World Cup that he would be worthy of a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer.
The defender is officially a free agent after his contract with Manchester City expired at the end of June, as he will not be renewing his terms at the Etihad Stadium.
Stones had been at Man City for around 10 years after leaving Goodison Park back in 2016, and went on to win it all under Pep Guardiola.
The centre-back has had injury issues in recent seasons, which have prevented him from playing as much as he'd like to.
Despite this, there is a list of clubs across Europe who would like to sign the England international, and the Toffees have been linked with a move.
Stones has shown Everton at the World Cup that he is more than capable of still performing, and would fit right in under David Moyes.
Everton mooted to sign John Stones amid World Cup exploits
Stones has made three appearances for England at the World Cup so far, most recently coming off the bench to help see out a 3-2 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca.
The 32-year-old did start the opening game of the tournament against Croatia, and has looked every bit the player that everybody knows and loves.
The concern has been whether he is still at the level, due to the several injury setbacks that he's had in the past three seasons.
Former Everton scout Bryan King believes Stones could sign alongside Jack Grealish and has suggested it will be a "priority" for the Toffees.
King backed Stones to have an important role for the Three Lions at the World Cup, and he's not been wrong, as the defender continues to have an impact in some form.
It makes it even more of a no-brainer for the Toffees when considering some of the regression seen at Hill Dickinson last summer.
Everton's competition for John Stones
Everton's current centre-back situation shows exactly why Moyes may be keen to add Stones to his ranks.
Whether the Blues can actually convince him to come back remains to be seen, but they should at least be asking the question.