Manchester United consider bid for Everton's John Stones

Manchester United are considering a move for Everton and England central defender John Stones, who is contracted to Everton until 2019.

Reports in the Daily Mail say that Louis van Gaal is interested in the 21-year-old defender, who can play in the middle and at right-back. The defender has shown a calmness that is rare in a player as young as he is, especially when contrasted with some of the performances from Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in their time at United.

The advantage for United with this transfer would be to solve the problematic right-back position, having missed out on Barcelona's Dani Alves, and with interest in Nathaniel Clyne cooling. He would also be able to play in the middle when required, with United still susceptible to injury crises.

There's no hint that a move for Stones would preclude any further reinforcements, such as for Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels or Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi, and the club are not short of cash to spend. Stones would offer Premier League experience and good value for money, with the potential to last at least another decade in the top flight.