Manchester City defender John Stones might be playing his last season at the Etihad as the Englishman’s contract expires at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old is approaching the final months of his current deal and has recently returned to action after an injury-riddled first half of the campaign that has clouded great doubt over his future at the Etihad Stadium.
There was little hope of a contract renewal for the centre-half heading into the season but Pep Guardiola’s public comments have suggested that after another injury-ravaged campaign, a parting of ways between Stones and the Blues is likely at the end of the season.
Sources cited in a recent story by The Daily Briefing believe that it’s time for Stones to move on as a contract extension is unlikely, with City bolstering their defensive roster in January by signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for £20 million and recalling Max Alleyne from loan at Watford.
With a contract expiring at the end of the season, it is already time for the English centre-back to start talks with interested parties for his next campaign.
The player can legally sign a pre-contract outside England and will be allowed to negotiate domestically. A pre-contract on the Isles isn’t allowed as it only becomes legal when a player has just one month left for contract expiry.
Many speculated a return to Everton but with the Toffees already planning to re-sign Jack Grealish, another high-profile player won’t be the best financial decision.
Also, Stones will be looking for a permanent move as he can’t have a loan spell post contract expiry. Grealish remains affordable for the Liverpool-based outfit, with Everton retaining a £50 million buy option for the 30-year-old forward after the end of his loan spell.
According to onefootball.com, Bayern Munich seem to be on the hunt for depth in their back four, as sources report their interest in the English international.
“Bayern have already started moves behind the scenes to persuade Stones. His old teammate Vincent Kompany could be key, as could another England player in Harry Kane, but a final decision won’t happen now,” a source cited in the story said.
Atletico Madrid are also in the mix and AC Milan remain an alternate south European call for Stones. Despite his age, Stones remains in the top 95.5th percentile of centre-backs domestically by duels won.
He is also in the 96.6th percentile by aerial duels won domestically and his future club in question is looking at one of the biggest bargains for a back-four man.
