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England legend pleads with John Stones to join Manchester United instead of Chelsea
Rio Ferdinand thinks that Everton’s young star needs to call Old Trafford home, not Stamford Bridge.
Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
Almost all summer long, there's been a very public, persistent pursuit in England, with defending Premier League champions Chelsea trying desperately to land John Stones, the young center back who has performed at a high level for Everton over the last season and a half or so. With Chelsea eager to improve their defense, Stones has been at the top of their shopping list as probably the best young defender around. But one English legend thinks Stones needs to go somewhere else.
Rio Ferdinand is obviously a bit biased, having spent most of his career at Manchester United, but he has implored Stones to ignore Chelsea's pleas and to join United instead.
If he goes to Man United, he plays every week, so that’s the right club for him. If he goes to Chelsea, he’s not playing every week. He’s at that stage of his development where he wants to play every week. If you say to any young footballer to leave a club to sit on the bench, you’ve got to be a lunatic. You have to be.
-Source: Guardian
Ferdinand’s got a good point -- with the way the two clubs are set, Stones would likely get a lot more playing time at Manchester United than he would at Chelsea, and that would likely be better for his career. Of course, he’d probably get the most playing time if he stays at Everton, but that’s just a secondary detail when it comes to transfer storylines.
In the news
The trouble might not be over for Miguel Herrera. After being fired by the Mexico national team last week, he’s now being investigated regarding possible public campaign violations during recent elections in Mexico City. (Guardian)
Lyon have signed Manchester United outcast right back Rafael da Silva for a reported £2.5 million. (Sky Sports)
New Juventus signing Sami Khedira is going to miss the first two months of the Serie A season after picking up a thigh injury in a friendly. (Guardian)
The Premier League has already spent £500 million in this summer’s transfer market -- and there’s still four weeks to go before the window closes. (BBC)
You should be reading
While other West Midlands clubs try to act like they’re the bigger and more successful sides, Aston Villa are the rulers of the roost in the region. (7500 to Holte)
Will Parchman wonders if United States national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann has lost his way. (Top Drawer Soccer)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain thinks Roy Keane is being kind of a jerk about Arsenal players taking selfies. (Guardian)
Fun with transfer rumors
The section in which nothing should be taken seriously. It’s rumor season, so this section will be expanded, and as the summer rolls on, it will probably be bigger than the actual news section.
Sinisa Mihajlovic declared that AC Milan are focusing on signing Roma defender Alessio Romagnoli (Football Italia)
Despite near-constant rumors to the contrary, Real Madrid intend to keep both Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. (BBC)
With Sergio Ramos off the board, will Louis Van Gaal try to bring his defensive partner Pepe to Manchester United? (AS)
Roma and Manchester City have reportedly agreed to a transfer fee for striker Eden Dzeko. (Football Italia)
What to watch on Tuesday (click for listings, all times ET)
Audi Cup: Real Madrid vs. Tottenham Hotspur (12:15 p.m.) -- These two clubs were once “partners,” but Tottenham have always felt slighted as though that partnership only led to them losing Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.
Audi Cup: Bayern Munich vs. AC Milan (2:45 p.m.) -- This friendly tournament is hosted by Bayern, and it’s basically the German team’s baby. They’ll want to get off to a strong start and avoid getting embarrassed on their own turf.
Champions League qualifying continues, with Ajax vs. Rapid Wien (2:15 p.m.) and AS Monaco vs. Young Boys (2:45 p.m.) highlighting the day’s action.
CONCACAF Champions League group stage action kicks off, with Queretaro, Santos Laguna and Real Salt Lake all in action in separate matches.
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