Everton are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing John Stones back to Goodison Park in a nostalgic summer transfer move.
Manchester City are believed to be open to offloading the England international at the end of the current season, as injuries have reduced his role to that of a fringe player.
David Moyes, poised to take the reins at Everton, is preparing to usher in a new era for the club.
With just a few weeks left at Goodison Park before their transition to the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, the Toffees are looking to reinforce their squad significantly.
Backed by fresh investment from The Friedkin Group, Moyes could attempt to lure Stones back to Merseyside as part of the rebuild, especially with City seemingly ready to part ways with their experienced defender.
According to a report from TBR Football, Manchester City are prepared to let Stones leave during the upcoming transfer window.
After nine years and 277 appearances under Pep Guardiola, the 29-year-old may be set for a new chapter.
Despite winning six Premier League titles and a host of other accolades with City, Stones has endured a difficult campaign, starting just six league games due to recurring injuries.
With Guardiola turning to Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and the emerging Abdukodir Khusanov to fill the central defensive roles, Stones has found game time hard to come by.
His substantial wages—reportedly around £250,000 per week—further support the notion that City are ready to move him on this summer.
Everton, aiming to shore up their defence, could be an ideal destination for Stones. Moyes is said to be considering a move, although his injury history and the potential transfer fee may pose obstacles.
Stones remains a fond figure at Goodison Park, where he developed into a top-flight defender after joining from Barnsley.
During his spell at Everton, he made 95 appearances before his £47.5 million switch to the Etihad in 2016.
Should Jarrad Branthwaite leave amid interest from Manchester United, Stones could slot in alongside James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien in an Everton backline that has been one of the most solid in the league this season—conceding fewer goals than all but four other teams: Arsenal, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Chelsea.
