Man City transfer news: Premier League winner to 'return to old club' after Pep Guardiola decision?

Pep Guardiola reportedly wishes for a smaller squad, and Manchester City could offload as many as six players, including John Stones, in the summer transfer window. 

Stones moved to Etihad Stadium from Everton in the summer of 2016, and has made 277 appearances so far, scoring 19 goals.

The England defender has played a pivotal role in City's success over the years, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League with the club. 

According to a report from The Athletic, Stones could be on his way out of Man City, either on loan or permanently. 

Ilkay Gundogan, Nico O’Reilly, Mateo Kovacic, Claudio Echeverri and Oscar Bobb are the other players who could leave, although the latter expects to stay at the club after he missed the entirety of last season through injury. 

Could Stones make an emotional return to Everton? 

The 31-year-old defender was restricted to just 11 Premier League games last season, due to various foot, hip and hamstring problems. 

The centre-back has less than 12 months left on his current contract at City, and the summer represents the last chance for the club to recover a fee from his potential transfer. 

According to Football Insider, Everton and David Moyes may be interested in re-signing their former defender. 

Stones managed 95 games for the Toffees before he moved to Man City, and he was Moyes’s last signing before ending his first tenure at the Merseyside club. 

Everton are in desperate need of a centre-back ahead of the new season, and Stones could be a great addition to the side.  

Who else could leave Manchester City? 

Along with Stones, Man City are also reportedly looking to sell Jack Grealish this summer. 

Newcastle United have been continually linked with the former Aston Villa winger, but the Magpies are not looking to sign him. 

Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli are reportedly leading the race for the English winger, who could be sold at around £40m. 

The 29-year-old struggled for regular game time last season, making only 20 Premier League appearances and registering one goal and one assist.

The England international was not included in the squad for the Club World Cup, which proves that his future under Guardiola is as good as over.