Free agent John Stones has been proposed to several top Serie A clubs, with Inter Milan showing the most interest in the former Manchester City defender.
According to Alfredo Pedullà, Inter are leading the chase for the 32-year-old, whose contract with City ran out this summer after a decade at the Etihad. Stones racked up nearly 300 appearances for the Sky Blues, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League along the way.
But there are catches. The centre-back has missed significant time through muscular injuries over the last three seasons, and his wage demands are substantial — around €8m per year. Napoli had a look but politely declined.
Inter plan to sign two centre-backs this summer and will step up their contacts with Stones. First, though, they need to decide what to do with Benjamin Pavard, who's back from a loan spell. The Nerazzurri aren't currently planning to meet Chelsea's asking price for Trevoh Chalobah, which opens the door for Como to move for him. Inter seem keener on Galatasaray's Davinson Sanchez instead.
Per TuttoSport, Juventus have also been offered Stones. They share the same reservations as everyone else. Meanwhile, the Bianconeri have cooled their interest in Tarik Muharemovic due to his high valuation and demands.
Back in England, Leeds United, Sunderland and Bournemouth are battling for Stones, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Inter can reach certain salary levels if they want to. Bringing in a veteran for free might make sense if they also invest in a high-upside youngster for the same role — but two big splashes are unlikely, given their other priorities. Juventus, for their part, appear stuck in cement. They haven't managed to sell anyone yet and are being careful financially.