John Stones should pick Manchester United over Chelsea, says Rio Ferdinand amid ongoing transfer tussle

The England international has been linked with a move to both clubs

Simon Rice
Tuesday 04 August 2015 07:36 BST
Comments
Everton are determined not to sell Stones this summer
Everton are determined not to sell Stones this summer (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.

Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election

Head shot of Andrew Feinberg

Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

John Stones should sign for Manchester United rather than Chelsea, says former England international Rio Ferdinand.

Champions Chelsea have made two bids for the 21-year-old defender, the latest of which was understood to be in the region of £29m, but both have been rejected by Everton.

Reports suggest Manchester United have asked the Toffees to keep them updated on the situation and may themselves enter the fray for the promising young England international.

If Stones had a choice over which side to join, Ferdinand believes he knows which would be best for the player.

"If he goes to Man United, he plays every week so that's the right club for him," said the former United centre-back.

"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."

Ferdinand believes his former club United need to strengthen their defence.

"I don't think (coach Louis Van Gaal) knows his best defence - that's a problem in itself," the 36-year-old Ferdinand, who retired at the end of last season, added.

Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand (Instagram/rioferdy5)

He continued: "Part of the reason he doesn't know it is because he hasn't had a chance to watch them all play over a long time - consistently for 12 or 15 games.

"If you don't get that familiarity between you as defenders, it's difficult to build foundations."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in