Manchester United fans have had time to welcome Eric Bailly to the club but the defensive spend may not end there and some reports suggest that John Stones will push for a transfer this summer.
The Mirror states:
Everton to refuse John Stones a transfer for second summer in a row despite him wanting to go
Chelsea made a string of bids for Stones last year and their then-boss Jose Mourinho could also be interested again after taking over at Manchester United.
Everton FC look well and truly on the up after a period of stagnation under the initially heralded Roberto Martinez. With the promise of new investment and a superb new coach in Ronald Koeman, it’s not outlandish to suggest that they will be competing seriously for a Champions League spot next season.
But they will want to hold on to their leading lights – Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman, Romelu Lukaku are amongst them – and John Stones is perhaps the best of the lot.
Despite a shaky second half of the season Stones is still a magnificent prospect and perhaps the true successor to Rio Ferdinand, at least for his country, in the months and years ahead. Late last month, The Guardian said of United’s interest:
José Mourinho targets John Stones in £150m Manchester United spree
TFF would have him in England’s starting line up for EURO 2016 without question – despite the odd coltish wobble he is still head and shoulders above the comparatively limited Gary Cahill. For what Stones brings to the defence and attack he is more than worth a start alongside the pacy Smalling who can mop up mistakes.
Manchester United have long been linked with a move for John Stones and Rio Ferdinand said of the player in January.
“I don’t care how much it is. You are getting a player for ten years. John Stones and Raphael Varane are the best in the world.
“The team starts at the back. Your platform for winning titles starts in defence. If Stones goes to another English club they (Manchester United) will regret it.”
Here are some of his best moments so far in his career. Manchester United supporters – a solid option?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXW_ISKa5NA