Former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle has urged his former employers to make a move for Manchester City defender John Stones.
The Blues are preparing for an all-important summer transfer window, with yet another potential squad overhaul on the cards.
Chelsea are in the process of hiring a new permanent manager following the abrupt departure of Liam Rosenior, so transfer plans will likely take a back seat for now.
However, that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from churning, with Chelsea already linked to several potential summer signings.
The Blues are expected to bring in more experienced players this summer. One area highlighted for reinforcements is the backline.
While a handful of defenders have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, Hoddle believes Stones would be a perfect addition for Chelsea.
Speaking on TNT Sports’ The Breakdown, Hoddle said: “They need a couple of really experienced players that want to be there, but they’re good apples, they’re not bad apples.
“John Stones is going to move. He’s a certainty. I’d be going left, right and centre to get him. He’s a good character, a good player still.”
Stones has spent the past decade at the Etihad Stadium after joining City in 2016 as one of the first additions in the Pep Guardiola era.
The 31-year-old gradually became an important figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, helping City win six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Having made nearly 300 appearances for City over the past decade, Stones’ experience and winning mentality could be what Chelsea needs to galvanise their leaky backline.
The England international will be looking for a new challenge this summer, and Hoddle believes the Blues should pull out all the stops to sign him on a free transfer.
