Everton’s path clears to re-sign John Stones after latest Jarrad Branthwaite news

Everton must start to accelerate their plans to sign John Stones after new reports claiming that he will leave Manchester City emerged following Jarrad Branthwaite’s latest injury blow.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Monday evening, via X, that Stones is expected to leave City this summer at the end of his current contract.

He has been a serial winner during his 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium after leaving Everton for around £48million in 2016.

The Toffees have been closely linked with his services this summer, and they should ramp up plans for an approach now that he looks likely to leave City.

Branthwaite could also be facing another extended spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury against Liverpool, meaning Everton’s transfer plans may need to revolve around bolstering David Moyes’ centre-back options.

Everton are keen on a move for John Stones and now must advance with talks

Stones has only made 15 appearances across all competitions for City this season, and last featured in the Premier League against Fulham back in December.

He returned to the bench as they beat Arsenal on Sunday after a month on the sidelines, but seems unlikely to break into Pep Guardiola’s side as they chase another Premier League title.

Stones’ statistics from this season point to him still being one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League when he is fully fit, and Everton can not pass up on the opportunity to sign him this summer.

Sources recently revealed to Football Insider that Everton are ready to move for Stones, and now feels like the best time to do so before other clubs steal a march in the race for his signature.

Everton will be fearing the worst regarding Branthwaite’s injury

Branthwaite’s new injury concern should also mean a new centre-back signing is prioritised by the Toffees, after he was stretchered off in their derby defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

The 23-year-old has been restricted to just 10 appearances this season due to a hamstring injury, while he also missed 20 games last term with a recurring groin issue.

He looked to have injured his hamstring once again on Sunday, and Toffees boss Moyes was pretty blunt about the possible seriousness of the issue after the game.

Moyes said: “Jarrad was probably the best player on the pitch. I thought he played so well. I’m worried it could be serious, but we’ll have to wait and see.

“(There’s no update) but I’m worried, though. We’ve not had any results.”

All the signs point to the 23-year-old being sidelined for an extended period once again, and so it is clear that Stones should be signed to bolster Everton’s backline soon, especially with a return to European football potentially on the horizon.

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