Transfer Centre

Manchester City 'to open contract talks with John Stones'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 10 February 2021

Manchester City are reportedly ready to discuss a new contract with John Stones in the summer after the defender turned his fortunes around at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City are ready to reward John Stones's stellar performances with a new-and-improved deal at the Etihad Stadium, according to a report.

The former Everton man had fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola last season and was widely expected to leave during the summer transfer window.

However, Stones has been given a new lease of life at City and continues to impress in the heart of defence under new signing Ruben Dias, with Aymeric Laporte often being kept out of the team due to Stones's form.

The England international now has less than 18 months left on his current deal with Man City, but according to The Times, City will look to tie him down to fresh terms when the season is over.

The report adds that Guardiola values him highly and does not want the centre-back to head elsewhere this summer, with Stones also boasting a trio of goals from 20 appearances in all competitions this season.

The 26-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in 12 of City's last 14 Premier League matches, conceding just twice and keeping 10 clean sheets in that run.