Newcastle United reportedly hope to sign John Stones from Manchester City this summer.
That’s according to Give Me Sport, who state that PIF want to give the team a new spine if they achieve Premier League survival.
That suddenly looks very likely, with Newcastle currently nine games without defeat. Eddie Howe has worked wonders with the Toon, and his side are now 10 points clear of the relegation zone. That was unthinkable at the start of the year.
While the manager and players will be fully focused on the rest of the season, the club’s recruitment team will be looking at who they could possibly sign in the summer.
And Give Me Sport state that Stones is a player Newcastle are ‘hoping’ they can negotiate a deal for.
Rafa Benitez wanted John Stones at Newcastle
This isn’t the first time Newcastle have been linked with the England defender. In fact, it isn’t even the first time they’ve been linked since PIF emerged on the scene.
In the summer of 2020, it looked like the Saudi-backed takeover would be completed.
There was speculation about new players and managers, as the soon-to-be new owners looked to change the landscape at St James’ Park.
The Telegraph reported in May 2020 that Rafa Benitez was keen on a move back to Newcastle with a takeover looming. At the time, he was the perfect choice as manager.
And the same report named two players he wanted to sign. Benitez reportedly wanted Ross Barkley, and the aforementioned John Stones.
Stones would be another statement for PIF
Of course, the takeover didn’t happen that summer, ending speculation of a Benitez return.
By the time the takeover did happen, Benitez was tied up with Everton, meaning he once again wouldn’t return to Tyneside.
But now Newcastle are being linked with one of the players he wanted to sign.
Stones is an interesting target, as he’s a player who might be considering his Manchester City future. His minutes have been limited this season, with Pep Guardiola opting for Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte.
The former Everton man might be thinking about a move away, especially with the World Cup on the horizon.
He’d be a perfect fit for Newcastle, who will no doubt look to make a real splash this summer. He’d be a blockbuster signing, but a player who Howe will know he can trust.
Stones has stacks of Premier League experience – he’s won the competition three times. And he’s wonderful at playing out from the back, a quality Howe wants from his defenders. That’s why Fabian Schar has enjoyed such a renaissance.
If Newcastle can sign Stones, it would be another statement signing. For now though, it feels unlikely.
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