Everton’s John Stones is one of the most sought after defender in world football at the moment. Sunday Times’ Jonathan Northcroft claims that six of the major European clubs are in the pursuit of the 21-year-old.
According to Northcroft, Stones’ suitors includes the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
He said on Sky Sports‘ Sunday Supplement that it’s an unprecedented situation for an English player to be at the centre of quite so many of the world’s top clubs’ attention. Northcroft believes Stones is on Real Madrid’s shopping list; though whether they’ll be allowed to do transfers in the summer remains to be seen. But he’s on their list of targets alongside Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba.
The journalist also said that Barcelona like him, Chelsea have been into him for quite a while now, and Manchester City, who are preparing for Pep Guardiola’s arrival, are also making their move for Stones as well. Manchester United and Bayern Munich are in the background as well.
“It’s an extraordinary array of choices for a 21-year-old lad. It’s going to be very difficult for them [to keep him].
“To deny him a move for a second time would be difficult for Stones to take, and maybe some of the other young players in the dressing room.”
Chelsea attempted to sign the defender in the summer, but their £38 million bid was turned down by the Toffees. The Blues will now face a tougher battle to sign the player considering they are set to miss out on Champions League football for next season. Everton value their player at £50million.
