Leeds United backed to move for John Stones as background fuels transfer dream

Leeds United could make a move for John Stones this summer after his exit from Manchester City was announced.

Paraag Marathe has admitted that the Whites will have to play their cards right this summer, and that may mean another dip into the free agent market.

Leeds had some success last summer with free signings, namely the additions of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

Daniel Farke has already drawn up defensive targets for this summer, with Union Berlin star Danilho Doekhi seemingly one of them.

However, Leeds could have Stones on their radar, as the England international may want to continue playing at the highest level in the Premier League.

Leeds' interest possible in John Stones

Stones left Manchester City after a trophy-laden 10-year stay, in which he won nearly everything in football.

The centre-back is a six-time Premier League winner and has his name in history for contributing to a Champions League win, as well as multiple FA and Carabao Cup successes.

Leeds Live journalist Isaac Johnson has assessed which free agents the Whites could be looking at this summer, and insisted that Stones "has got to come on the radar" of the recruitment team.

However, despite pointing out the defender's Yorkshire heritage and being born in Barnsley, Johnson outlined the clear hurdles that Leeds face in prying the Englishman to Elland Road.

Not only would the Whites be up against several other teams across Europe for his signature, but the 49ers would most likely have to cough up a "hefty pay packet" to meet his demands.

Leeds would then also have to factor in the 32-year-old's age and injury issues in recent years, which could be a gamble for them to make, given financial constraints.

Would Stones be worth the gamble?

Leeds have some key centre-back decisions to make this summer, with Pascal Struijk's contract coming into question.

Farke is likely to deploy his three-centre-half formation once more next season, which means the need for a solid defence and back-up is clear.

Sebastiaan Bornauw could also be on his way out, while we have also seen James Justin fill in across the backline at times towards the end of the campaign.

All in all, it feels like another centre-back is needed, and given that Stones would cost the 49ers nothing, it could be a gamble worth taking.

Nobody thought that Calvert-Lewin would be a success, so don't write Stones off.