Inter Milan are in advanced talks with England defender John Stones as the Italian champions push to secure his signature on a free transfer.
The centre-back became a free agent following his departure from Manchester City at the end of June, bringing to a close a decade-long stay at the club.
Stones, who is 32 years old, has attracted significant attention from clubs across Europe since news of his City exit emerged.
Chelsea and Juventus are among the clubs to have registered interest in the former England regular during the summer window.
However, Serie A champions Inter have held positive discussions with the defender and are understood to be leading the race to sign him on a two-year contract.
Stones joined City from Everton in 2016 for a fee of £47.5m and went on to make 295 appearances for the Manchester club across all competitions.
During his time at the Etihad, Stones collected an extraordinary haul of honours that few players in English football history can match.
He helped City win six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
The defender began his career at Barnsley before his move to Everton and has since earned 93 international caps for England throughout his senior career.
Stones was also part of the England squad who finished third at the World Cup, underscoring his standing as one of the most decorated defenders of his generation.
Inter will be hoping to wrap up a deal swiftly, with other European clubs still circling as the competition for Stones’ signature continues into the summer.
