John Stones, the former Everton protege who made his name as Manchester City’s Number 5, sees his contract expire at the end of the season, and the media claims there is a “chance” of the England international moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Regardless of whether John Stones does return to Everton or not, the mere fact David Moyes might be considering a reunion would suggest the Glaswegian has no plans to keep Everton Academy product Reece Welch around.
The 22-year-old sees his own contract expire at the end of the campaign, but there could be an opening for him at Everton if he does secure a contract extension, with Michael Keane expected to leave on a free transfer this summer.
Even if Stones or Senesi do not join Everton, the signing of a proper right-back would most likely see Jake O’Brien move away from that area and return to his natural position in the centre of defence. However, if a deal for Stones is already being targeted – with Marco Senesi another option for Everton – it would suggest neither Moyes nor The Friedkin Group consider Welch ready to step up.
The England U20 international has made just one senior appearance this season, playing 4 minutes of the FA Cup defeat. He has also been named on the bench for 8 Premier League games this season, but never brought on.
So… Stones or Welch? And with the prospect of Keane leaving at the end of the season, where does that leave two of Everton’s other centre-backs, James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien?