When Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand talks about must-sign centre backs then you would be a fool not to sit up and take notice.
Because, for our money, Ferdinand was in a different league to the likes of John Terry and even Nemanja Vidic. He could handle the rough stuff and had superb pace.
But he was also more skillful than many a top flight striker. He had wonderful feet and more often than not he could could sweep up problems with guile rather than pure grit.
And he has made a statement which we couldn’t agree more with. The Daily Star quotes him as saying that Manchester United should pull out all the stops to sign John Stones:
“I don’t care how much it is, you get him. You are getting a player for 10 years,” Ferdinand said.
“Him and Raphael Varane are the best in the world, so I wouldn’t be looking at anyone else.
He also suggested that if Manchester United allow Stones to go to another club that they will regret it.
We also think that he is right about Varane by the way. Which is why any rumours about a move from Real Madrid will probably remain just that – rumour.
Stones is not 22 until May but has been drawing admiring glances from around the world of football with his silky displays for Everton, who will be desperate to hold to him, and are no longer in a financial position where they have to sell anyone.
All this means that if the player does ask to leave then The Toffees can at least set his price at an astronomical level. And rightly so. This is an England international for the next ten years who will surely lead club and country, barring injury.
Let’s see him in action.
Manchester United fans: should Louis have a nibble?
