Tottenham Hotspur considering a deal for Manchester City hero John Stones | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a summer deal for Manchester City defender John Stones, according to the Independent.

The club are preparing for life without Cristian Romero, and the England international is being targeted.

Spurs would strongly consider a move for Stones if any of the main targets fall through, but manager Roberto De Zerbi realises the need for his leadership.

The Italian wants to raid former club Brighton & Hove Albion for players, with Carlos Baleba, Jan Paul van Hecke and Bart Verbruggen at the top of his transfer targets.

However, a move for the Cameroon international defensive midfielder is expected to prove the trickiest.

Brighton want over £100 million for Baleba, and Manchester United are also keen on recruiting his services.

Verbruggen already knows exactly how the Tottenham boss plays, which is why he is eyeing a reunion despite Antonin Kinsky’s recent heroics.

Van Hecke and Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi are the centre-backs the Spurs manager wishes to sign, but Stones is an alternative.

The Englishman is a free agent after leaving Man City, and his leadership, experience and versatility could be huge for Tottenham.

Spurs want leaders in their dressing room, which is why signing Liverpool defender Andy Robertson as a free agent appeals to them.

However, Juventus have tabled a proposal for the Scottish veteran.

Despite this, De Zerbi will hope to attract some top players to the club this summer.