John Stones should join Newcastle United after the prospective takeover in the North East is completed, Kevin Phillips has suggested to Football Insider.
Indeed, the proposed deal between Mike Ashley and the Saudi-led consortium has not yet been fully approved by the Premier League, but the former Aston Villa and Sunderland striker now pundit has implied that Stones should seriously think about signing for the Tyneside club in the upcoming summer transfer window.
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The Telegraph have claimed that Rafael Benitez is apparently interested in a return to St. James’ Park if a takeover is completed and allegedly wants Ross Barkley and Stones to join him.
Phillips encouraged the Manchester City and ex-Everton central defender to join what could be an exciting project at the Magpies if the eagerly anticipated takeover is completed.
“I think John Stones should get out of Manchester City,” he told the outlet.
“It has not quite worked out for John. He came for big money as a young lad and there was a lot of pressure.
“I like him, he is a good player and a fresh start somewhere else would do him the world of good. If he could jump on that train at Newcastle – who knows where it could be heading.
“He has won stuff at Manchester City but it might be that time for him to leave. I am not sure that Pep Guardiola trusts him so it might be best for all parties.”
Arriving on the 9th August 2016 at the Etihad Stadium for a whopping £50.04 million, perhaps a lot more was expected of Stones, but fast-forward to this season, and the 26-year old has been limited to just 20 appearances in all competitions so far, according to Transfermarkt.
Pep Guardiola has often chosen to use Fernandinho, a defensive midfield player by trade, ahead of Stones at centre-back this campaign, with the 35-year old playing there 31 times in all competitions so far, as per the website.
Based on this, perhaps Phillips is right when he claims that Stones should get out of Manchester, and maybe the Toon could be a new and fresh challenge that he may well relish.
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Still at a good age and with plenty of time to learn, the English international could well be a stellar addition to NUFC for the proposed new owners.
Geordies, do you think Stones still has time to resurrect his career? Comment below!
