Manchester United have in recent times, stepped up their pursuit of Everton and England defender, John Stones. The 21 year-old has been strongly linked with a move to both Chelsea and United, with the Blues leading the race for his signature.
United manager Louis van Gaal’s frustration at his failure to capture a reliable defender thus far in the transfer window looks to have him want to make a last-ditch, big-money move to snatch the player from under Chelsea’s noses.
The Dutch coach’s proposed move for Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, reportedly once close to fruition, now appears to have fallen apart; as the player now appears to have settled his rift with the club’s hierarchy. Also, Nicolas Otamendi- who was also wanted by Van Gaal- has also allegedly committed his future to his Valencia, leaving Van Gaal short of options, ahead of the 2015/2016 season.
At the moment, Stones seems the only likely option for Van Gaal to land a reliable centre-back, this transfer window. An appropriate offer to please the Toffees would do; and they would most-likely cause their efforts to leapfrog Chelsea’s- who, though reportedly almost through with a deal for him, appear not to have so much apparent need of a central defender, and as such, appear to be drooling on the move- much unlike United, who are quite porous at the back and are desperately looking to bolster their rearguard.