Chelsea are said to be weighing up an approach for out of favour Manchester City defender John Stones ahead of the summer transfer window.
The England international has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium which has seen him only been restricted to just 16 appearances in the Premier League during the 2019/20 campaign.
Having found his place in the team taken, the 26-year-old is reportedly considering a move away from City in order to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Stones has two more years left on his current contract with Pep Guardiola’s team and could likely be available for less than the fee City paid for him in the summer 2016.
The central defender was a big part of the Citizens’ back to back Premier League triumphs, but his poor form and his injury concerns has meant that he is displaced from the starting line-up.
According to news from Football Insider, Frank Lampard is willing to give Stones a lifeline to resurrect his career in England and get his place back in the national team. Chelsea have had their own defensive headache this term and the manager is open to making additions to his backline in the summer.
Manchester City are aware in the current window, they are unlikely to recoup the £50 million they paid to Everton for Stones in 2016, and Chelsea would be expected to lodge a fee little above that price to get their target.
The defender himself opened up about his performance this season, saying: “It has been really frustrating from a personal perspective. Injury re-occurrence, then little things like getting injured a few days in after lockdown.
“It’s been frustrating. I’ve tried to stay positive, and be ready when I’m called upon, and I feel I have been. Coming back after lockdown, getting fit again, and then coming back in and playing against some tough opponents.
“I feel fit, feel ready to fight for the FA Cup at the weekend, and then the Champions League. I feel I’m on the right track. It’s good to be getting that consistency of playing and keeping my fitness.”
Arsenal and Newcastle United are also said to be monitoring his situation.
