John Stones making an Everton reunion could have just become a lot less likely.
Everton signed Michael Keane to a one-year extension on Thursday, but there is an even bigger matter that should scare off the Toffees.
David Moyes may well be eyeing more defensive reinforcements for Everton over the summer, with Stones proving an option.
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John Stones lifts the Premier League trophy for Manchester City.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
However, reports of his agent wanting a two-year deal, with the option of a third year should have the Friedkins running from this transfer.
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John Stonesā agent makes contract demand amid Everton interest
It has been suggested that Everton would consider re-signing Stones as he is set to depart Manchester City as a free agent.
The 31-year-old has other suitors, though, with Tuttosport in Italy naming Juventus, Inter and AC Milan as possible landing spots.
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In the report from the Italian outlet, it is claimed that Stonesā agent has already made his demands with the Serie A sides.
The starting point is a minimum of a two-year deal with the option to extend by a further year.
Stones has been riddled with injuries over recent seasons and is set to turn 32 in just a matter of weeks.
Everton cannot sanction multi-year Stones contract
The Friedkin Group have steadied the ship at Everton financially since they were handed the keys on Merseyside.
A lot of smart financial decisions have been made by the American owners, but signing Stones would not be one of them.
Although he will likely expect a wage cut, Stones is currently earning significantly more at Manchester City than any player on Evertonās books.
Signing the soon-to-be 32-year-old would not be a smart financial move, given the risks that come with signing Stones.
The former Everton defender has not made more than 25 Premier League appearances in the last nine campaigns.
Season Premier League appearances Club
25/26 7* Man City
24/25 11 Man City
23/24 16 Man City
22/23 23 Man City
21/22 14 Man City
20/21 22 Man City
19/20 16 Man City
18/19 24 Man City
17/18 18 Man City
16/17 27 Man City
15/16 33 Everton
To put that into further perspective, since leaving Goodison Park in 2016, Stones has played more than 25 times in the league just once.
For a player who is demanding a multi-year deal, and will not be on a small salary, the records show that the risk heavily outweighs the likely reward for Everton.
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