Manchester City's John Stones. (Getty)
Everton still have plenty to play for heading into the final stretch of the Premier League season.
With two games remaining, the Toffees remain outsiders in the race for a Europa Conference League place and could yet sneak into Europe if results elsewhere fall in their favour.
Whether they qualify or not, though, the expectation is that Everton will back David Moyes heavily in the transfer market this summer as the club look to continue progressing under the new regime.
And one of the names now emerging is a player very familiar to supporters on Merseyside.
Everton In Talks with John Stones
Everton have reportedly held discussions over a sensational move to bring John Stones back to the club this summer following confirmation that he will leave Manchester City.
The England international — once described as “incredible” by Pep Guardiola — is set to become a free agent at the end of the season after an injury-hit final campaign at the Etihad.
According to Football Insider, talks have already taken place regarding a potential return to Goodison Park, where Stones first established himself as one of England’s brightest defensive talents before joining City in 2016.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes the move is a genuine possibility, although he stressed nothing has been agreed yet.
“People think it’s a nice fairy tale for John to come back to the club where he came from,” Wyness told Football Insider. “It would seem an easy option, but I’m not so convinced from what I’m hearing.”
He added: “It’s not necessarily nailed on, it’s an option and there’s been discussions, but certainly nothing finalised yet. It’s still 50-50.”
Wyness also suggested Everton may face strong competition from abroad, with Bayern Munich reportedly interested in the 31-year-old defender as well.
“There’s been interest, as I understand, from Bayern Munich and that may well be an option for him that he might prefer,” he said. “He might get a better deal in terms of a lengthier contract.”
Despite concerns surrounding Stones’ recent injury record, there is little doubt his experience and quality would be a huge boost for Everton if a deal could be pulled off. Bringing back one of the club’s former stars would also send a powerful message about the direction the Toffees want to head in under Moyes.
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