Inter in advanced talks with England defender Stones

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that England defender John Stones is in advanced discussions with Inter Milan over a proposed move to the Serie A club without a transfer fee. According to the report by senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel, the talks have been positive and Inter are currently viewed as the frontrunners for the 32-year-old, with a two-year deal under consideration.

Stones became available after his Manchester City contract ended at the close of June, while he was away with England at the World Cup, BBC Sport said. The report adds that several major European clubs have shown interest in the centre-back, naming Chelsea and Juventus among those linked, but Inter’s position appears strongest at this stage.

The potential signing would bring Inter a defender with extensive experience at club and international level. Stones joined Manchester City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million and went on to make 295 appearances. During his time at City, he was part of teams that won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Stones, who began his senior career at Barnsley, has also earned 93 caps for England. BBC Sport notes he was in the national squad that finished third at the World Cup. If completed, the move would add a high-profile free agent to Inter’s squad and mark the next stage in the career of one of England’s most decorated modern defenders.