Inter join Everton in race for departing Man City veteran Stones | OneFootball

Inter have entered the race for John Stones, with the England international available on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester City and understood to have attracted interest from both Everton and Italian clubs including Inter and Napoli.

According to German outlet BILD, FCInter1908, the defender’s availability as a free agent is significant for Inter, who are in urgent need of defensive reinforcements following the exits of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij.

The club have been pursuing multiple centre-back targets this summer, with the Oumar Solet trail having cooled in recent weeks – making him an attractive cost-free alternative of considerable Premier League and international pedigree.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 06: John Stones of England looks on prior to the international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Inter open to signing England veteran Stones

At 32, Stones brings Champions League experience and a decade of top-level football to any interested party, though questions about his fitness record, he has missed significant periods through injury in recent seasons, will feature in any club’s assessment.

For Inter, the combination of quality and zero transfer fee makes the enquiry entirely logical, but for now, the player remains committed to England at the World Cup.