Manchester City Transfer News: John Stones and Wilfried Bony in Swap Rumours

Manchester City are reportedly prepared to seal their summer move for Everton centre-back John Stones by offering Wilfried Bony as part of a player-plus-cash offer.

According to the Sun's Alan Nixon, Everton manager Ronald Koeman is "ready to give the green light" on the deal, where Bony is said to account for £15 million of Stones' £50 million valuation. 

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Bony is seen as surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium after scoring just six Premier League goals for the club since arriving from Swansea City in January 2015.

Nixon's report also provided images of Bony's car, which was pictured in Liverpool amid speculation of a move to Goodison Park, and fan account City Watch also posted the photos in question:

Citizens manager Pep Guardiola has been linked with a move for Stones all summer, but the two clubs have thus far failed to reach an agreement on price, with Everton standing firm on their £50 million price tag.

However, after a busy first few months in the summer transfer window, BBC Sport's Simon Stone noted the club must also take the time to offload some of their dead weight:

Ivory Coast international Bony could well qualify as being considered among that contingent, having disappointed sorely since coming to Manchester for a figure of £28 million 18 months ago.

ESPN's Alex Shaw has questioned the forward's worth, however, and there's also the concern that Everton would still need to replace Stones' defensive presence even if they landed Bony:

Nixon added Everton have lodged offers for Swansea captain Ashley Williams and Southampton centre-back Jose Fonte, and the Toffees will undoubtedly want a replacement settled before cashing in on Stones.

Speaking to Metro's Simon Rice, ex-England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand encouraged Stones to make a decision on his future now:

"

He needs to go one way or the other way. Either commit to Everton or go because I don’t think it’s good for him.

I know what it’s like, until your future gets sorted out it can be difficult. Everything is a blur, you’re frustrated a little bit. I think he’s someone who will blossom with every level he steps up.

He just needs to stay with [Everton manager Ronald] Koeman or go where he’s going to go, and get coached and really improve and settle himself down.

"

Bony may be a welcome addition for Koeman, who would undoubtedly have more room to make greater use of his talents, but the presence of Romelu Lukaku means the Ivorian wouldn't get a guaranteed start.

Everton appear more open to selling star Stones if there happens to be talent coming in the opposite direction, and City are willing to offload misfit Bony as part of any transfer.