It seems to us that if Manchester United want to get back onto equal footing with Manchester City they are going to have to be decisive and potentially pay over the odds for their next few signings.
Anthony Martial is a case in point.
His transfer fee stunned many an onlooker but Manchester United got a truly world-class footballer in the making.
The same could be said of John Stones.
He is already playing like a seasoned international and is one of the best defenders in The Premier League, for our money.
The interest in Stones is reportedly intense, wth top clubs around Europe wanting him.
But, in a potential boost for Manchester United, the highly respected British media outlet The Times asserts that the player wants to stay close to home if he transfers:
Manchester City and Manchester United head the queue to sign John Stones, with the England defender eager to remain in the northwest if he leaves Everton this summer.
Chelsea, who tried and failed to sign Stones last summer with four separate bids, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested, but while he will not discount a move south or abroad, the player’s strong preference is to stay close to his predominantly Yorkshire-based family.
Manchester City have some excellent centre-backs. But Vincent Kompany has had bad injury problems and expensive recruit Eliaquim Mangala has flattered to deceive. City also have the brilliant Nicolas Otamendi and Martin Demichelis on the books. But you still wouldn’t discount a move for the player who will surely be a nailed-on starter for club and country for the next decade.
So, if Manchester United want Stones, they need to bid big and bid quickly.
Even if he ends up costing a transfer fee of £60m he would surely be worth three normal centre-backs who might each give 3-4 years of top service.
Because at 21 Stones could be the next Rio Ferdinand for Manchester United. He’s sleek, solid and quick. His passing is excellent and he can become a leader.
The great Rio himself had this to say about Stones recently:
“I don’t care how much it is. You are getting a player for ten years. John Stones and Raphael Varane are the best in the world.
“The team starts at the back. Your platform for winning titles starts in defence. If Stones goes to another English club they will regret it.”
Let’s see him in action.
Manchester United fans: worth pushing the boat out for?
