Jordan Pickford has hailed John Stones as ‘world-class’ amid Everton summer transfer links

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Jordan Pickford has already hailed John Stones as ‘world-class’ with Everton eyeing a free agent signing this summer.

Manchester City are on track to lose Stones in the summer when his contract comes to an end following 10 years at the Etihad Stadium.

After a quiet winter window, Everton are eyeing a possible return for Stones as there is an expectation for Pep Guardiola to green light his exit.

Everton allowed Stones to depart for Man City back in 2016 having bought him just three years prior from Barnsley.

Stones is a player who David Moyes knows very well having been the manager who sanctioned his signing during the Goodison Park days.

Would a return for John Stones on a free make any sense for Everton? 🧐

His experience could prove priceless! 🏆

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The Everton number one, Pickford, is also familiar with Stones following their days together in the England national side.

• READ MORE: Raheem Sterling’s Everton rejection highlights The Friedkin Group’s ambition

Jordan Pickford has hailed Everton target John Stones as ‘world-class’

There is already a concern that Stones’ wages could cause Everton an issue if they do pursue a reunion over the summer.

He is a player who would bring a lot of experience to this Everton side following a decade of football with Man City.

Speaking ahead of the 2024 Euros, Pickford was full of praise for Stones having played alongside him for years with the Three Lions.

Deadline day is now done… what’s your thoughts, Toffees? 😬

What more could have been done? 🫣

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“He’s one of the best centre-backs in the world,” said Pickford.

“For England, he’s been quality with the amount of caps he’s got for us. He’s a top lad as well.”

Some Everton staff members were not convinced about signing Stones back in 2013, but he has gone on to win just about everything there is in the game.

The Blues have added Jack Grealish on loan, but there is a real lack of experience at the top end of the game outside of the 30-year-old.

• READ MORE: Everton already have Ellis Simms lesson as David Moyes weighs up Braiden Graham selection

John Stones would add bags of experience to an ambitious Everton side

There should be some reservations at the Hill Dickinson Stadium over Stones’ injury issues over recent years.

The 31-year-old – who will be 32 in May – has only just returned for City having missed 11 Premier League games through a thigh issue.

However, Moyes rates Seamus Coleman for his Everton leadership qualities despite not quite being able to make an impact on the pitch.

Stones would be expected to make an impact on the pitch, but the experience he would offer this Everton side would be priceless.

Moyes wants Everton playing European football once again and having a player like Stones in the side would prove a major coup for the Blues.

The Friedkin Group must, however, weigh up whether his experience is worth the wages it would require to bring him to the Liverpool docks.