John Stones left torn between Everton return and a move to European elite

[p]The 31-year-old defender will be available on a free transfer when his contract expires, and he is expected to attract interest from both domestic and European clubs.[/p][p]While options abroad are developing, Flashscore sources suggest [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/everton/KluSTr9s/"]Everton[/a] are determined to try to keep him in the Premier League.[/p][p]They are looking to prioritise the signing of a new centre-back, particularly with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/branthwaite-jarrad/QNEAuZc1/"]Jarrad Branthwaite[/a] dealing with another injury setback.[/p][p]Although [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/stones-john/SlLxn4xl/"]Stones[/a] has also faced injury issues in recent years, his experience, pedigree and mentality are key reasons behind Everton’s interest.[/p][p]Stones originally left Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million and has since become a key figure in a hugely successful period at [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-city/Wtn9Stg0/"]City[/a] under Pep Guardiola. His development has made him one of the most respected players in his position.[/p][embed guid="fc851192-8521-480a-b890-f1b4539a4b84" url="https://x.com/ManCity/status/1837965092102852659?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]At this stage, Stones is believed to be open to the idea of returning to Merseyside, though attractive opportunities overseas could yet influence his decision.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/ac-milan/8Sa8HInO/"]AC Milan[/a] are among the clubs interested and feel he would suit Serie A, while [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/bayern-munich/nVp0wiqd/"]Bayern Munich[/a] - managed by former Man City captain Vincent Kompany - are also monitoring the situation.[/p][p]The Bundesliga side have recently targeted top Premier League talent, including [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/kane-harry/v5HSlEAa/"]Harry Kane[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/olise-michael/E5pvwqkK/"]Michael Olise[/a].[/p][p]Stones’ injury record will be considered a potential risk, and further discussions are expected once he formally evaluates his options.[/p][p]He is also set to be part of a wider summer reshuffle at City, with the likes of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/silva-bernardo/lUg03qcR/"]Bernardo Silva[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/grealish-jack/QVKaRfO9/"]Jack Grealish[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/akanji-manuel/UJm2XpLH/"]Manuel Akanji[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ake-nathan/6LBvaQoh/"]Nathan Ake[/a] also expected to depart.[/p][p]Links to [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/barcelona/SKbpVP5K/"]Barcelona[/a] have emerged too for Stones, although interest from the Spanish club remains unconfirmed.[/p][image alt="Dean Jones" id="1d7cacd9-9f6b-4bf2-9ae4-c5e190234f5e" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="4dd8dfc0-eaab-4884-bdcf-f380d0cd7a20" original-width="1200" original-height="380" /]