The Rumour Mill

18-year-old Barnsley fullback targeted

27/01/2013 |

Comments (21)

David Moyes is looking to snap up Barnsley's promising full-back John Stones "if he can do a bargain £2million deal" report the Sunday People.

Sunderland, Fulham and Wigan have all apparently shown interest in the 18-year-old but have so far been rebuffed.

With Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville over 30 and Seamus Coleman having spent three spells on the sidelines this season, Moyes could be looking for long-term back-up in the right-back slot.

Original Source: Sunday People via The Mirror Rumour source ranking:
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Reader Comments

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Si Cooper
992 Posted 27/01/2013 at 02:16:13

£2 million for a prospect in a position were we are probably covered for another 3 years at least?

Doesn't seem the best use of our meager resources..... unless it means Seamus will be spending more of his time in the advanced role????

Peter Thistle
993 Posted 27/01/2013 at 03:14:13

We've needed a new right back for ages but at the moment maybe not the biggest priority while our midfield is crippled and forwards can't score.

Sam Hoare
010 Posted 27/01/2013 at 08:34:46

No chance we are spending our meager pot on an 18-year-old right back!

I think we will be busy on Thursday and bring in at least 2 new players. This isn't one of them.

Jon Ferguson
013 Posted 27/01/2013 at 09:05:08

I hope not!

We don't have much cash and 3 have three right backs. We need either more creativity on right midfield as Mirallas is suffering with injuries at the moment and we need that creativity down the right now to get into Europe (Coleman is not a right winger), plus Mirallas can play through the middle when he comes back.

Either that are a centre midfeld or a striker. Not a right back.

Paul Ellam
019 Posted 27/01/2013 at 09:17:07

If we have the cash to do it, fine. But not at the expense of our search for much needed midfield or forward positions.

Mark Tanton
061 Posted 27/01/2013 at 11:20:14

I saw him yesterday at Hull in the cup, he was very good. Tall and gangly looking but good on the ball and always looking to push on past the midfield. Having said that, we have bollocks all money, so why spend it on a Championship kid who we'll probably never see again?

Ian Bennett
064 Posted 27/01/2013 at 11:25:22

Yes, if it means Neville goes.

Steavey Buckley
087 Posted 27/01/2013 at 12:17:04

John Stones, if he is being promised first team action straight away, welcome to Goodison Park. If he is not, stay at Barnsley as a loanee at best. The academy is for the walking dead waiting for their eventual P45.

Brian Waring
099 Posted 27/01/2013 at 12:43:53

Good point there Steavey. I don't understand why our academy gets lauded so much, because it's shite.

Phil Sammon
100 Posted 27/01/2013 at 12:54:34

It's not shite, Brian. The lads don't get a fair chance in the 1st team.

Steavey Buckley
102 Posted 27/01/2013 at 13:14:21

The only present player who has come through the ranks is Osman and he is 31 years of age. And only began to play football seriously when he was loaned out to Derby County about 10 years ago.

Basically, when a player reaches 18 years of age, it should be obvious if he has the talent and potential to become a first team player. Next, is to loan him out to gain the experience in order to become part of the first team squad, which should be about 25 players. But during his loan period and after coming back to Finch Farm training ground there should be assessments made whether or not the young player is improving. Before his contract is up, the player should be made aware if he is wanted or not.

The academy is a sort of limbo, where most players go backwards before, eventually, moving on to another club. That's if they can find one. Not having the academy would save the cost of salaries that Everton cannot afford.

There is no reason for players who are part of 25 man (youth) first team squad not playing other teams in a similar situation on a friendly regular basis in the north-west such as Liverpool, Man Utd, and Man City. To keep match fit.

Aidy Dews
190 Posted 27/01/2013 at 17:40:27

He looks a good talent but could do with staying at Barnsley for longer and improving his game even more. If we could sign him and then loan him back to them for him to get games and gain experience, then great.

But he can play CB as well, can Stones, and for his age is a big lad so over the years he will develop more physically and will be a brute of a player.

Alasdair Mackay
349 Posted 27/01/2013 at 19:59:18

Nah! We have Tyias Browning coming through the ranks, too. He is meant to be useful and would probably be in the first team at Barnsley by now!

Plus Coleman has been one of our most improved players this season in that role and is still 23!

Colin Glassar
374 Posted 27/01/2013 at 20:51:21

Moyes is obsessed with defenders. We need goalscorers ffs.

Stuart Eaton
400 Posted 27/01/2013 at 22:57:09

What is the situation regarding Holtby can we pinch him form Spurs or is it sewn up, for 1.5 mil quoted he looks a bargain.

Karl Masters
403 Posted 27/01/2013 at 23:22:36

Becchio from Leeds...watch this space!!

Patrick Murphy
406 Posted 27/01/2013 at 23:36:09

It crossed my mind today as well Karl, especially as that's where young Ross is on loan, you may well be right, but how old is he?

Karl Masters
408 Posted 27/01/2013 at 23:43:30

Might only be seen as a relatively short term bit of squad padding, Patrick.

Trevor Lynes
477 Posted 28/01/2013 at 11:42:12

Maybe Coleman could play further forward in which case we do need a fullback as Hibbo has been injured for ages and he is our best right back at present.

Kev Johnson
479 Posted 28/01/2013 at 11:49:58

Karl — Becchio is 29. I can't see us buying him at that age. A loan, yes. A transfer, no.

Karl Masters
824 Posted 28/01/2013 at 20:29:47

Never said he'd be a buy, Kev. Leeds are paying us for loaning Barkley – a little bit of contra going on is hardly out of the question is it?

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