John Stones makes decision on Manchester City future with contract set to end

The England international has been a major presence in the Manchester City side during Pep Guardiola's tenure at the Etihad Stadium, but his deal is up at the end of the season.

John Stones and Manchester City are set to open talks to see the England star extend his spell at the Etihad Stadium.

As things stand, Stones, a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola's trophy-laden stint in Manchester, is out of contract at the end of the season. But both he and Guardiola want to extend his stay at the club - at a time where Erling Haaland is being told he can become the Premier League's all-time record scorer if he sticks around at the Etihad.

Stones, 31, will begin negotiations with City bosses and is hopeful of agreeing a deal that will keep him at the club until 2028. Stones is keen to remain with the former English champions, and pledge the remaining years of his career to them, while City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak is desperate to avoid losing Stones on a free transfer next summer.

Stones joined City from Everton in a £48m deal in 2016 and has won 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles. He was also a big part of the historic Treble triumph in 2023.

He has made 281 appearances for the club - also winning 83 England caps since his international debut in 2014 - and for all the incomings and outgoings at City during Guardiola's tenure, has been a constant throughout when fit and, at his best, can lay claim to being among the world's best defenders.

He has also forged a close relationship with the City boss.

Stones was forced to withdraw from the last England squad because of injury, but is expected to be part of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, should the Three Lions qualify for next summer's finals in USA, Mexico and Canada.