Fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relays comments made by Kevin Phillips on Newcastle United’s potential interest in John Stones.
Speaking to Football Insider, the former Sunderland and Aston Villa striker suggested that he thinks that “John Stones should get out of Manchester City”.
This comes after reports in The Telegraph claimed that Rafael Benitez would like to make a return to Newcastle, and that Stones would be one of his top targets should he resume control of the North East club.
Phillips went on to state: “It has not quite worked out for John. He came for big money as a young lad and there was a lot of pressure. I like him, he is a good player and a fresh start somewhere else would do him the world of good. If he could jump on that train at Newcastle – who knows where it could be heading?”
In reaction to his comments, which were relayed on Twitter by City Chief, fans of the club have flocked to have their say on the matter, with many suggesting that if Stones wants to leave the club, then he is welcome to go.
https://twitter.com/CITIZENSFC3/status/1266125067030867968
No need to jump on a train! I’ll drive him there myself ?
— Maurice Kilbride (@MauriceKilbride) May 29, 2020
Since arriving at City from Everton for a fee of £50.04 million in 2016, Stones has gone on to make 129 appearances for the club, helping his side to win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups and two Community Shields.
However, despite what has been a trophy-laden spell with the club, many of these City fans still appear keen for Pep Guardiola to move the 26-year-old on.
Would you like to see City sell Stones this summer?
Yes
No
Great advice, he’s a bottled it at city. We’ve all noticed the feigning of injury every time he has a bad game.
— Matt Parker (@matty_p71) May 29, 2020
He is 26 year old and still only “potentially” good. We should sell him, he does not have the right mentality and is too much injury prone. If we do not sell him now and he gets another bench/injury season we will have bigger problem with selling him.
— ? (@thepsilon) May 29, 2020
Despite the majority seeming to be in favour of the club moving the defender on this summer, there have been a few fans who would seem to prefer it if Stones remained at the club beyond this summer.
The thing with Stones is we might sell him and he goes to be one of the best defenders in the league. The potential is there, we might sell him and regret it later.
— . (@Kilowattsz) May 28, 2020
Tell Kevin Phillips to jump on a train.
— Ngozulu Matondo ???? (@ajagbeadewole) May 28, 2020
However, although some fans do appear keen for Stones to remain at the club, it would seem that the majority would be happy to see the £32.4 million-rated defender leave the club this summer.