Troy Deeney has suggested that reported West Ham United and Arsenal target needs to play in a three-man defence, on the Sports Breakfast, which was broadcast on TalkSPORT on 20th August.
The Sun claimed two weeks that Arsenal and West Ham are both interested in signing Stones from Manchester City.
The England international appears to have fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola preferring other options.
But Deeney actually thinks that Stones suffers from a similar problem to David Luiz, in that he is better in a three-man defence than a two-man one.
“This is going to sound bad, but I think he’s more of the David Luiz type, where he’ll play better in a three,” Deeney said.
“He’s very composed on the ball, very good. When he’s in a two, he’s so concerned about playing, he’ll give you a chance.
“I know John well so he knows I’m not going at him here, but I think if he plays in a three, he looks like a different player.”
The Sun suggested that both Arsenal and West Ham would have to pay £20 million to sign Stones.
Stones may well be a back-up choice for Arsenal in case they are not able to get hold of Gabriel.
The Telegraph claim that Gabriel’s move to Arsenal is now very close, but no announcement has been made yet.
West Ham, on the other hand, could well go after Stones, with David Moyes thought to be a fan.
West Ham generally play with a two-man central defensive pairing, so Deeney may not actually think that the move to the London Stadium would be ideal for the 26-year-old.
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