Reports: Manchester City willing to sell defender

What’s the rumour?

According to The Sun, Manchester City are willing to part with defender John Stones this summer. He has fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.

In case you didn't know..

Signed for a then record fee of £47.5 million for an English player, John Stones is yet to cement his place in Guardiola's starting XI. He has made only 16 appearances for the team this season and has played the full 90 minutes only ten times.

The 23-year-old is has a contract till 2022 but is reportedly not content with the playing time he is being given at the moment.

The heart of the matter

Stones' start to life at City was not the best as the defender was constantly subjected to criticism for his poor performances and silly errors on the pitch.

He was hoping to put all doubters to rest this season and Kompany's recurring injuries meant that Guardiola had to start him alongside Nicolas Otamendi at the beginning of the season.

However, a knee injury kept him out of the game for almost three months and City also purchased Aymeric Laporte in the January transfer window. Following his return from injury, he has found himself down the pecking order and as a result has cut a frustrating figure.

As per the report, Guardiola is thus willing to let the player leave this summer for his own good.

Rumour rating/probability - 6/10

Although many outlets have reported the same news, there is no credible information yet that suggest Stones will be sold.

Video: Stones in action

Author’s take

Despite uninspiring performances and injury setbacks, there is no denying the fact that Stones has the potential to become a great defender. He is yet to reach his prime and it will be a bad decision from City if they decide to sell him.