In the latest round of rumours linking Manchester United to defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season, Everton’s John Stones has been mentioned as a possible target, according to the Mirror. It is a well-known fact that Louis van Gaal is looking for a center-back to bolster his options, with names such as Nicolas Otamendi, Mats Hummels, Raphael Varane and Aymeric Laporte frequently mentioned. While it appears that Van Gaal’s preferred option would be Otamendi, given the vast majority of reports suggesting there is an agreement with the player to join the Old Trafford outfit, Valencia’s insistence on an asking price of €50 million has proven to be an impediment so far.
It is not a surprise, however, to be linked with Stones, who despite Everton’s disappointing campaign overall, proved to be one of their best players over the course of the season. The 21-year-old produced a series of stellar performances for the Toffees including a superb defensive display against Louis van Gaal’s men at Goodison Park, in which he also notched up the home side’s second goal. As a result of his impressive displays, Roy Hodgson included the young Englishmen into the national team fold.
Stones played 23 times for the Merseysiders in the Premier League last term, averaging 1.4 tackles per game, 1.5 interceptions per game, six clearances per game and 1.1 blocks per game, according to WhoScored. He is capable of playing out from the back, which has been a particularly impressive aspect of Roberto Martinez’s side, despite their poor form, with a passing accuracy of 89.5%. The youngster is also capable of running with the ball, averaging at least one dribble per game. He is also adept in the right-back role as he has done so with his club twice last season.
It appears that Chris Smalling, after a series of stellar displays towards the end of the season, is first-choice for Van Gaal as the right-sided center-half. Smalling has clearly emerged as a leader in United’s back-line,with Van Gaal himself handing him the captaincy against Arsenal at home, in the absence of Rooney and Carrick. Therefore, any new acquisitions in defence would likely be focused on the left-side of central defence. Interestingly, both Otamendi and Stones have featured predominantly in that position for their respective clubs last term.
Louis van Gaal may need to face competition for Stones’ services, should he become available for sale, from other top clubs in the Premier League. It was reported by Di Marzio last month, that he could be a target for Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho keen on bolstering his home-grown rank and freshening up his team’s ageing defence. Everton have also proved to be tough negotiators, particularly in the case of David Moyes’ first summer in-charge of the Reds, when the Scot pursued Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. Given Van Gaal’s possible interest in another Everton defender, Seamus Coleman, and a souring relationship between the two clubs of late, it could be difficult to pull away both players from Merseyside. In Stones’ case, Everton are likely to demand more than the £32 million forked out by Manchester City for Mangala last summer, according to The Liverpool Echo.
Interest in Stones might also put a question mark on the future of Phil Jones. The 23-year-old former Blackburn defender is out of contract with the Reds in 2016, and it has been suggested by Steve Bates of the Sunday People that he is ‘sweating’ over a new deal. Another player who could be on the move is Jonny Evans, who himself is a target for Everton this summer. Whether he could be used in any potential offer for Stones, remains to be seen.
In the latest round of rumours linking Manchester United to defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season, Everton’s John Stones has been mentioned as a possible target, according to the Mirror. It is a well-known fact that Louis van Gaal is looking for a center-back to bolster his options, with names such as Nicolas Otamendi, Mats Hummels, Raphael Varane and Aymeric Laporte frequently mentioned. While it appears that Van Gaal’s preferred option would be Otamendi, given the vast majority of reports suggesting there is an agreement with the player to join the Old Trafford outfit, Valencia’s insistence on an asking price of €50 million has proven to be an impediment so far.
It is not a surprise, however, to be linked with Stones, who despite Everton’s disappointing campaign overall, proved to be one of their best players over the course of the season. The 21-year-old produced a series of stellar performances for the Toffees including a superb defensive display against Louis van Gaal’s men at Goodison Park, in which he also notched up the home side’s second goal. As a result of his impressive displays, Roy Hodgson included the young Englishmen into the national team fold.
Stones played 23 times for the Merseysiders in the Premier League last term, averaging 1.4 tackles per game, 1.5 interceptions per game, six clearances per game and 1.1 blocks per game, according to WhoScored. He is capable of playing out from the back, which has been a particularly impressive aspect of Roberto Martinez’s side, despite their poor form, with a passing accuracy of 89.5%. The youngster is also capable of running with the ball, averaging at least one dribble per game. He is also adept in the right-back role as he has done so with his club twice last season.
It appears that Chris Smalling, after a series of stellar displays towards the end of the season, is first-choice for Van Gaal as the right-sided center-half. Smalling has clearly emerged as a leader in United’s back-line,with Van Gaal himself handing him the captaincy against Arsenal at home, in the absence of Rooney and Carrick. Therefore, any new acquisitions in defence would likely be focused on the left-side of central defence. Interestingly, both Otamendi and Stones have featured predominantly in that position for their respective clubs last term.
Louis van Gaal may need to face competition for Stones’ services, should he become available for sale, from other top clubs in the Premier League. It was reported by Di Marzio last month, that he could be a target for Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho keen on bolstering his home-grown rank and freshening up his team’s ageing defence. Everton have also proved to be tough negotiators, particularly in the case of David Moyes’ first summer in-charge of the Reds, when the Scot pursued Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. Given Van Gaal’s possible interest in another Everton defender, Seamus Coleman, and a souring relationship between the two clubs of late, it could be difficult to pull away both players from Merseyside. In Stones’ case, Everton are likely to demand more than the £32 million forked out by Manchester City for Mangala last summer, according to The Liverpool Echo.
Interest in Stones might also put a question mark on the future of Phil Jones. The 23-year-old former Blackburn defender is out of contract with the Reds in 2016, and it has been suggested by Steve Bates of the Sunday People that he is ‘sweating’ over a new deal. Another player who could be on the move is Jonny Evans, who himself is a target for Everton this summer. Whether he could be used in any potential offer for Stones, remains to be seen.
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