John Stones next club odds: Everton favourites to sign free-agent defender

John Stones' decade at Manchester City came to an end this summer when his contract at the Etihad expired, and the 32-year-old centre-back now finds himself as one of the most sought-after free agents in Europe. 

Despite an injury-hit farewell campaign that limited him to a handful of Premier League starts, Stones proved at the World Cup that he still has plenty to offer, featuring in five of England's matches as the Three Lions secured third place in North America. 

With no transfer fee attached to a proven winner, it's little surprise that clubs across the continent are said to be circling. Below are the latest odds for where he could end up.

John Stones next club odds

According to Oddschecker, Everton are the favourites to sign Stones in this summer transfer window.

• Everton – 2/1
• Chelsea – 7/2
• Bayern Munich – 6/1
• Inter Milan – 7/1
• Arsenal – 8/1

*Odds correct at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

Which club is most likely to sign John Stones?

Everton sit at the top of the market at 2/1, and there is an obvious sentimental angle behind those odds. 

Stones came through the ranks at Goodison Park before earning a £47.5m move to Manchester City in 2016, making 95 appearances for the Toffees before establishing himself as one of the Premier League's finest defenders. 

Nearly a decade later, a return to Merseyside would give Everton the chance to bring back one of their most successful academy graduates without paying a transfer fee, while Stones would have the opportunity to play a leading role at a club where he is already held in high regard.

Chelsea are next in the betting at 7/2, and there is a clear footballing argument for the move. The Blues continue to build a relatively young squad, and Stones' experience of winning multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League would add valuable leadership to their defence. 

His ability to operate as both a centre-back and a holding midfielder would also provide greater tactical flexibility, making him an attractive option for a side competing on multiple fronts.

Bayern Munich, priced at 6/1, offer the possibility of a reunion with Vincent Kompany, who spent three seasons alongside Stones at Manchester City before taking charge of the Bundesliga giants. 

Bayern are expected to strengthen their defensive options this summer, and Stones's composure in possession and ability to play out from the back would suit the club's possession-based approach.

Inter Milan are available at 7/1, with the Serie A side regularly linked with experienced defenders in recent transfer windows. 

The Nerazzurri have relied on seasoned internationals at the heart of their defence in recent years, and Stones' pedigree at both domestic and European level would make him a natural fit should they decide to add another experienced centre-back to their squad.

Arsenal are the outsiders at 8/1, but the link is not without substance. Mikel Arteta worked closely with Stones during his time as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City and is fully aware of the defender's strengths both in and out of possession. 

With William Saliba set to miss a number of months with a back injury, Stones is an appealing option as the Gunners look to strengthen their squad depth ahead of another demanding campaign.