Newcastle United ‘hopeful’ of securing deal for 27-year-old Manchester City star: Reports
According to Give Me Sport, Newcastle United have identified Manchester City defender John Stones as a potential target for the summer transfer window. They are 'hoping' to bring the Englishman to St. James' Park to strengthen their defense.
Stones has seen himself fall out of favor at the Etihad this season, making just 10 appearances in the Premier League so far. However, a recent hamstring injury is set to keep Ruben Dias out for up to six weeks. This could give Stones a chance to redeem himself at the club and get regular playing time.
John Stones has played a number of 900 minutes in the Premier League and is YET to lose. https://t.co/xoAulY3MH0
Newcastle United, meanwhile, have been on the rise since the January transfer window. A takeover by PIF in October made them the richest club in world football. This meant that they were able to sign the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn among others in January.
The new signings have made an instant impact. The club, then engaged in a relegation battle, are now sitting pretty in 14th place. In fact, they are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games.
They will look to continue to add to this progress in the summer to challenge the top clubs in the league. The defense is expected to see a major overhaul and Stones has been identified as a potential target. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to secure the Englishman come summer.
Manchester City's John Stones could be a huge signing for Newcastle United
Stones signed for Manchester City in 2016 from for around £47.5 million from Everton. Since then, he has made 186 appearances for the Citizens, scoring 12 goals and making two assists.
He was a key part of their Premier League title-winning squad last season. He has won three league titles with Manchester City along with other domestic trophies.
88/91 - John Stones has won 88% of his aerial duels in the PL this season, while completing 91% of his passes. Since 2003-04, when this data is available for the competition, no outfielder has ever recorded over 85% for both metrics over a full season (min. 500 mins). Complete. https://t.co/clNcLNlbA1
Newcastle, meanwhile, have had struggles in defense this season and in the past as well. They conceded 62 goals in the Premier League in 38 games last season. They have now conceded 47 goals in 27 games so far this season.
The addition of Trippier, Burn, Matt Target and Guimaraes has certainly helped in recent games. However, they are still on the lookout for a central figure in their backline.
Stones’ experience, coupled with his winning mentality, could be a big boost for Newcastle if they are able to sign him in the summer. However, he certainly won't come cheap. Manchester City will try to get as close as possible to the £47 million they paid for him in the first place.