Everton considering signing ‘underrated’ Man City player alongside John Stones

Everton’s search for defensive reinforcements continues to accelerate ahead of a crucial summer rebuild under manager David Moyes, with the club increasingly focused on adding proven Premier League experience to their backline.

Center back is expected to be one of Everton’s priority positions during the transfer window.

Although the Toffees briefly competed for European representation last season, there remains a clear sense that the team still lacks enough defensive depth and quality to progress further next season.

One player who has been heavily linked with his return in the last two weeks is former Everton defender John Stones.

The City hero is due to leave the Etihad this summer when his contract expires at the end of June, with Everton among the clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.

Stones originally spent three-and-a-half years at Goodison Park before joining City in 2016 and remains highly regarded by many around the club.

Now, another City defender has emerged as a target.

Everton considering signing Nathan Ake

According to TEAMtalk and journalist Graham Bailey, Everton are pursuing a move for Nathan Ake as City prepare for a major reshuffle this summer.

He reports that the Dutch international could be available for around £20 million, with several clubs monitoring his situation. Ake’s former club Bournemouth are also thought to be interested.

Ake has been a key player for manager Josep Guardiola since joining from Bournemouth in 2020, helping City to multiple Premier League titles, domestic cup competitions and the Champions League.

However, injuries and intense competition for positions have diminished his consistency over the past two seasons.

The ‘underrated’ Dutch defender has only one year left on his contract but is still gaining important experience at the highest level.

Ake, who can play both centrally and left-back, is praised for his calmness in possession, positional discipline and tactical flexibility.

Ake’s versatility can be particularly useful.

Everton are expected to review several defensive positions this summer, and bringing in someone who can cover multiple roles would make strategic sense both tactically and financially.

His reported asking price of £20 million would also be a relatively reasonable sum in the current market for an experienced international defender.

Ake will be 32 next season, but given his history both in the Premier League and at international level, he would still be a key player for Everton if a deal were to become a reality.

However, competition may still be difficult.

Bournemouth are said to be exploring the possibility of re-signing the defender they sold to City six years ago, with clubs both overseas and domestic also closely monitoring developments.

Ake only has one year left on his current contract with City, increasing speculation over his future.

But for Everton, the interest highlights the direction Moyes wants to take his team.

The Scot has consistently valued experienced and reliable defenders throughout his managerial career, and his links with both Stones and Ake suggest Everton are prioritizing players with proven top-level quality.

After a few years of instability both financially and on the pitch, Everton are focused this summer on building a squad that can maintain consistency across the Premier League campaign.