Everton are eyeing a deal to re-sign Manchester City star John Stones this summer, with his career at the Etihad Stadium all but over, according to talkSPORT.
The Toffees are pushing to qualify for Europe after a successful first season in the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with David Moyes' transfers largely having a positive effect on the squad to help them move away from relegation battles.
But with the club now hoping to return to a European schedule too, the boss is keen to add some experience and quality to his side, and that has seen them look at a move to bring the central defender back to Merseyside.
Everton Eyeing John Stones Move
Manchester City's John Stones warms up
Stones, who earns around £250,000-a-week, is out of contract with the Cityzens this summer and looks highly unlikely to earn a new deal after a host of injury problems in recent seasons.
The 31-year-old is expected to leave, but still wants to play in the Premier League as he looks for his next club, and Moyes is ready to try and re-sign him to add a top-level option to his squad.
Michael Keane is out of contract this summer while James Tarkowski is ageing, and Stones could be the perfect tutor for young starlet Jarrad Branthwaite, who is developing into one of the best young defenders in the country.
Stones is unlikely to demand the level of wages he is currently earning at Man City considering his lack of game time and injury problems, and that could open the door for a memorable return to Everton, where he spent several years before leaving in 2016.
It's reported elsewhere that contact has already been made, and the player could be open to the move, although he wants to assess all of his options before making a final decision.
Stones Return Would Be Excellent for Everton
john stones
Stones is still pushing to be part of the England squad for the World Cup this summer, and if he is fit enough to play then he will surely be first-choice.
That may bring more attention from other clubs if he is able to play well, and as a result Everton should be looking to get an agreement done earlier if they are serious about bringing him in.
Having a player of his experience and quality, with six Premier League titles and a Champions League, would be a huge statement for the Toffees, and having him in the changing room and on the pitch will only help the team to continue their upwards trajectory next season and continue to improve.
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