John Stones Edges Closer to Stunning Everton Homecoming After City Exit Decision

Everton are closing in on a stunning emotional reunion with John Stones as the England defender edges towards a return, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The 31-year-old centre back is poised to leave Manchester City after a glittering decade packed with silverware, and sources say a deal to bring him back to Everton is now gathering serious pace.

Stones, capped 87 times by England national football team, is out of contract this summer and will be available on a free transfer, instantly making him one of the most attractive options on the market. 

Despite interest from Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Coventry, the defender is understood to favour a return to Merseyside.

It would mark a fairytale homecoming for Stones, who first joined Everton from Barnsley in 2012 before blossoming into one of the Premier League’s most composed defenders. 

He made his top flight debut in 2013 and spent three seasons with the Toffees before City splashed £47.5 million to take him to the Etihad.

GLITTERING SUCCESS

Since then, Stones has racked up 293 appearances for City, including 178 in the Premier League, playing a key role in multiple title wins under Pep Guardiola. 

But injuries have begun to take their toll, with the defender restricted to just seven league appearances this season.

Now fully focused on extending his career at the top level and representing his country at this summer’s World Cup, Stones is keen to secure regular football again. 

Everton believe they can offer him exactly that, along with the chance to anchor their defence for years to come.

Manager David Moyes, who originally brought Stones to the club, is a huge admirer and has already held positive talks over a potential reunion. 

The pair share a strong relationship, and Moyes sees Stones as the ideal figure to lead a defensive transition.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

With both Michael Keane and James Tarkowski now 33, Everton are planning for the future, and Stones is viewed as the perfect blend of experience and leadership to guide the next generation.

The lure of returning to familiar surroundings, combined with the opportunity to play at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, has only strengthened the club’s hand in negotiations. 

Stones, who still lives in Cheshire with his family, is believed to be excited by the prospect of coming full circle.

Everton currently sit 10th in the Premier League and are pushing to finish in the top eight. Landing a player of Stones’ pedigree on a free would be seen as a major statement of intent as they look to build on an impressive campaign.

Talks are ongoing, but all signs point towards a deal that would bring one of England’s finest defenders back to where it all began.