One player has decided where he wants to stay between Everton, Eddie Howe's Newcastle United and newly promoted Coventry City after 'good' talks.
Everton are planning a summer transfer window
The Friedkin Group have reportedly made it clear they intend to back David Moyes this summer, and the early signs suggest they may say so.
Everton sit in tenth place in the Premier League with 49 points with two games remaining and Europe is still a possibility.
It's a strong platform to build on, but for now the new owners want the club to be long-term.
The forward line is the most obvious area of need.
As we reported yesterday, Football Insider revealed that the Friedkin Group are willing to fund the signing of the striker, with other media sources suggesting that the Toffees are planning to rebuild their defence.
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk also claims that Everton want to show more ambition this summer.
Everton told £36m signing of Man Utd star “suitable for David Moyes”
He will be a good man.
Returning to their defence, both Michael Keane and James Tarkowski are now 33 years old, and the club are planning to bring in another defender.
This is where one of Everton's most interesting deals comes into play.
John Stones makes a decision to transfer Everton, Newcastle or Coventry
According to SportsBoom, former Toffees player John Stones is close to returning to Everton on a free transfer after ten years at Man City.
The 31-year-old England international is out of contract this summer and will not be short of options – Newcastle, Bournemouth and Coventry have all been linked with an interest – but sources say Stones favors a return to Merseyside above all other places.
Indeed, without the presence of the Magpies, Frank Lampard's side and Bournemouth chasing Europe, it is clear that he has decided that the Hill Dickinson Stadium will suit him better.
It can be an amazing full circle moment.
Stones joined Everton from Barnsley in January 2013 as an 18-year-old, and spent three seasons becoming one of the country's most promising defenders before City paid around £47.5m to take him to the Etihad in August 2016.
What followed was a title fight, but injuries took their toll.
Star is set to become an Everton player next season as transfer talks are underway
He is one of their most likely deals.
Stones has played just seven league games this season, totaling just 353 minutes, but remains determined to be ready for the World Cup this summer.
Moyes, who brought Stones to the club, is said to be very fond of him and has had 'good talks' about a reunion.
The manager sees the defender as the right man to lead a defensive transformation – he has enough experience to set up a back line, has enough authority to direct the younger players around him, and is available on terms even Everton's carefully managed budget can afford.
Landing a player of Stones' pedigree on a free would be a statement, but Everton will need to be aware of his recent injury record.
The Friedkin Group are planning Everton's deal for a 'big money' striker to support David Moyes
The Toffees want to be ambitious this summer.
