An "unbelievable" Premier League star is now emerging as a key summer target for David Moyes and Everton, according to a report.
Moyes eyeing major summer rebuild
Much to the fans' dismay, the Toffees have regularly been drawn into relegation battles over the past few years, narrowly avoiding the drop under the helm of Frank Lampard, before being led to safety by Sean Dyche the following season.
Dyche was ultimately dimissed earlier in the current campaign, with Moyes being brought in to steady the ship ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock this summer, which marks the start of an exciting new era for the Blues.
The hope will be the move to the new stadium will give Moyes a platform to turn the Merseyside club back into European contenders, but for that to transpire, the manager may need to reshape his squad in the summer window.
Everton - Goodison Park Related
[Everton set to cut ties with "outstanding" 93 career-goal ace in summer exit](https://www.footballfancast.com/everton-right-back-ashley-young-set-to-leave-end-of-contract-this-summer/ "Everton set to cut ties with "outstanding" 93 career-goal ace in summer exit")
He's been a valiant servant at Goodison Park...
With Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye and Orel Mangala currently set to depart, new options may be needed in central midfield, with Angel Gomes and Sean Longstaff of interest, while Tim Kleindienst could replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin at striker.
According to a report from GiveMeSport, Moyes is also looking to upgrade his defensive options this summer, with Manchester City centre-back John Stones now emerging as one of Everton's key targets.
john-stones-man-city-premier-league
Stones, who left the Toffees to join Man City for £47.5m in 2016, was initially brought to Goodison Park by Moyes as a youngster, and the manager is now eyeing a summer reunion, with just 12 points remaining on the defender's current deal.
Injuries have been a real problem for the former Barnsley man, and a move back to Merseyside could be an attractive proposition, should the Blues be willing to offer him the security of a long-term deal.
"Unbelievable" Stones could be marquee signing
There will be some justified concerns about the 30-year-old's injury record, having been limited to just 11 appearances in the Premier League this season, but should he manage to stay fit, the City defender could be a marquee signing for Everton.
While game time has been limited, the Englishman has managed to impress when given the opportunity over the past year, particularly impressing in an attacking sense, ranking in the top 1% for goals and assists per 90, when compared to other centre-backs.
Statistic Average per 90
Non penalty-goals 0.30 (99th percentile)
Assists 0.20 (99th percentile)
Progressive carries 2.07 (99th percentile)
Pass completion % 93.9% (98th percentile)
Not only that, but the ex-Everton man received very high praise from teammate Manuel Akanji after a top performance in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, with the Swiss defender lauding him as "unbelievable".
The report makes it clear that Moyes is looking to build a squad capable of competing in the upper echelons of the table next season, and given his top-level experience, Stones could be an ideal addition.