John Stones has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City (Getty Images)
According to The Mirror, Manchester City are planning to offer John Stones to Everton in a bid to sign Mason Holgate in the summer.
Stones, 25, came through the youth ranks of Barnsley and joined the Toffees in 2013. Three years later, he moved to the Etihad Stadium but has failed to fix his spot under Pep Guardiola despite being the first-choice centre-back in his first two seasons with City.
The English international has struggled with injuries in the last two campaigns and has eventually lost his place in the starting XI. Though he featured in 12 league games this term, he has failed to convince the manager and has fallen down the pecking order despite Aymeric Laporte’s long absence.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti has done a decent job since his arrival and has lifted the Toffees from further humiliation. He has brought positive energy to the club, who are currently in the 11th position in the league.
The attack has been led brilliantly by Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison as the duo has transformed their game under the new manager. Their defensive unit has not been consistent but they have done a decent job lately.
Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane did not perform well at the start of the season but have formed a good partnership in recent weeks. However, the manager should look to add depth to the backline.
That said, they must still not accept the offer for John Stones since he has been inconsistent throughout the campaign. He has been left out of the team for a long time and has not been in touch with the game.
The 25-year-old would find it difficult to get into the team with the likes of Mina and Keane already in the ranks.
Stones’ performances have also put his spot in doubt for the national squad ahead of the European Championship. Therefore, the Toffees signing him could be a waste of resources.
The Englishman’s struggles with injuries and inconsistency have been the highlight of his career in the last two seasons. Therefore, it would be safe for Everton to avoid such an offer and keep hold of Holgate instead of bringing Stones back to Goodison Park.
