According to Dean Jones, Newcastle are hoping to open negotiations with Manchester City over a deal for John Stones this summer.
What’s the story?
Well, this would be quite the signing for Newcastle.
Jones believes the Magpies are keen to bring the England international to St James’ Park, and hope the Citizens will entertain their interest by welcoming talks.
Should Newcastle fail to sign Stones – who has won the Premier League on three occasions – they aren’t short of options.
Jones told Give Me Sport that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia are also looking at Antonio Rudiger, as well as James Tarkowski.
Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly is another option, as is Lille centre-back Sven Botman.
However, the Dutchman is said to have agreed a move to AC Milan.
John Stones would kickstart a new era at Newcastle
In our view, the signing of Stones would be a very significant moment for Newcastle.
You could argue that the capture of Bruno Guimaraes kickstarted Newcastle’s new era, and in some ways, it did.
However, Stones isn’t playing for Lyon. The 27-year-old is at Manchester City, where he’s playing under the best manager in Europe, winning at least one trophy every season.
The £47.5m man is pretty much in the ideal environment, so it would be a huge statement if he gave it all up to join Newcastle.
Should it happen, other top players will surely join him in wanting to move to Tyneside.
Keep an eye on this saga – we doubt it’ll happen, but with Newcastle’s newfound wealth, anything is possible.
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