Everton have set their sights on pulling off an audacious deal to land John Stones after the Manchester City star has been pinpointed as a summer target ahead of boss David Moyes leading his side into a new era at their brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although the Toffees have already completed the permanent signing of Carlos Alcaraz, in a switch worth up to £13million having impressed during an initial loan spell from Brazilian side Flamengo, there remains a desire to bring in further reinforcements in the aftermath of leaving Goodison Park.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is among the names to have made their final appearance in an Everton shirt, thanks to his £130,000-per-week contract being due to expire at the end of the month, and Moyes is determined to upgrade his options across the pitch as preparations are made for next season.
Toffees Look Into Possibility of Stones Swoop
Merseyside giants interested in luring central defender back
John Stones in action for Manchester City
Everton are beginning to make initial enquiries over whether it would be possible to re-sign Stones, according to GMS sources, after Moyes has refused to rule out the possibility of bringing in fresh competition for first-choice defensive pairing James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Toffees allowed the England international to join Manchester City in a deal worth up to £50million in August 2016, but he has found himself in danger of being behind the likes of Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov if he opts to remain at the Etihad Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
GMS sources have been informed that Everton are circling for Stones, who shone during his initial spell on Merseyside, and Moyes is eager to discover what it would take to get the deal over the line as he looks to make his side more of a force during his first full campaign back in the hot-seat.
John Stones' statistics during his final season at Everton
The centre-back is preparing to enter the final 12 months of a contract which allows him to pocket £250,000-per-week at Manchester City, leading to his former employers sniffing an opportunity to pounce even though his wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block that is difficult to overcome.
Stones is not the only ex-Everton man who could become a member of the squad at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as GMS sources recently revealed that Tottenham Hotspur frontman Richarlison has been earmarked as their dream summer signing as they go in search of adding further firepower in preparation for next term.
Moyes Given a Boost in Pursuit of Stones Deal
Premier League rivals consider selling England international
John Stones in action for Manchester City
GMS sources have been told that Everton have been boosted in their pursuit of Stones because Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola is contemplating whether to give the green light for him to embark on a fresh challenge as he aims to make room for new signings at the Etihad Stadium.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich tactician has previously described the 31-year-old as 'exceptional', highlighting that he is held in high regard behind the scenes, but the Sky Blues have stopped short of rubbishing suggesions that he could be sold during the summer transfer window as they prepare for the Club World Cup.
Guardiola wants to streamline his Manchester City squad and is preparing to make a final decision on Stones' future after missing out on a fifth consecutive top flight title, GMS sources understand, resulting in Moyes waiting in the wings and acknowledging that luring him back to Everton is a possibility at this stage.
David Moyes Related
Sky Sports: Four Priority Signings Everton Want to Make This Summer
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The Champions League winner is continuing his rehabilitation from injury with England after joining their training camp in Spain ahead of this weekend's World Cup qualifier against Andorra, but his time on the treatment table has not deterred Moyes as he seeks to reach an agreement in the coming months.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 02/06/2025
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