Everton’s season could well fade away into nothingness.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are currently 12th in the Premier League table, one point off 10th-placed Crystal Palace and four behind seventh-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
They have won 11 games this season, while losing 12, but there is every chance they will remain where they are now.
They are well clear of relegation – 14 points to be precise – but may just be too far off the European spots.
This summer, then, could be key as Ancelotti looks to reshape his squad in his own image.
And Football Insider claims that they could well be offered the chance to bring a former star back to Goodison Park in the next transfer window.
John Stones, who played for Everton between 2013 and 2016, is set to be made available this summer as City look to strengthen after falling behind champions Liverpool in the table.
The report claims that agents will be told to find the England international a new club and Everton will be on the list of potential suitors.
Football Insider also claims that Arsenal and Newcastle United could also express an interest, with City looking to move the defender on.
They paid £47.5 million for him in 2016 but there is precious little chance they will receive a similar fee this summer.
Transfermarkt value Stones at £32.4m but the 26-year-old has made just 10 starts in the Premier League thus far this season.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
The price must be right but this is a really intriguing possibility for Everton.
They have spent the majority of the season with Michael Keane and Yerry Mina at centre-back but there is room for improvement in their squad.
A move for Stones, at an affordable fee, would be an upgrade.
He has struggled this season, particularly with injury issues, but he is an elegant, ball-playing defender who has a surprising amount of pace.
Per WhoScored, he has a passing accuracy of 94% in the league, while he also averages 1.2 tackles per game, two clearances, and 3.1 aerial duels won.
He would be an excellent acquisition if the numbers add up.