Bayern Munich are considering a shock move for John Stones, Daily Mail Sport understands.
A stunning swoop that would see the 31-year-old reunited with former team-mate Vincent Kompany – and link up with Three Lions’ colleague Harry Kane – is being examined by the Germans.
Should Bayern progress their interest, they would be in a strong position to see off competition for the central defender who is on a free transfer after spending a decade at the Etihad Stadium.
Stones helped City win 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 over 293 appearances after joining from Everton for £47.5m in 2016.
The Barnsley-born defender, who has 87 caps, was manager Pep Guardiola’s second signing and played alongside Kompany before the Belgian left in 2019.
He has been linked with a move back to Everton, with Barcelona and Coventry City also reported to hold an interest.
However, the prospect of playing for the Bundesliga champions, under the leadership of Kompany, would be a strong pull.
Bayern Munich are set to make a shock move for departing Man City defender John Stones
The move would see Stones team up with Vincent Kompany (left) and Harry Kane (right)
Stones, who was the world’s second-most expensive defender when he moved to City, has also switched to midfield when needed, including a cameo performance in their Champions League final win over Inter Milan in 2023.
Despite a series of injuries, he has been influential in a decade of success in Manchester, scoring 19 goals. His appearances, however, have been limited over the past two seasons.
‘I cannot judge his performance because he has been a little bit out,’ Guardiola said earlier this year.
‘I don’t have doubts with John. When he reaches his level, he is a top central defender.
‘I only want [him] fit and, unfortunately, like last season, a lot of the time it is not possible. He is a lovely, incredible team-mate.’
Stones is expected to head to the US with the England squad for the World Cup. Under Kompany, Bayern eased to the Bundesliga title and will seek a domestic double when they play in the German Cup Final this weekend.
They exited the Champions League following an epic 6-5 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
