Stones set for Barnsley return

After making the £3million move from Barnsley to Everton on transfer deadline day could 18-year-old John Stones return to Oakwell on loan?

Unlike other deals that have seen players sign for new Premier League clubs and automatically return to their previous Championship sides there was no arrangement made in the deal with Stones.

But as we've seen in the past young players have far better off developing their game in the Football League playing regular competitive football then they are playing in the Premier League Under-21's league.

He may have only been with Everton a short while but his former manager is already keeping his fingers crossed that he will return on loan this season.

"It is something we would love to explore, for sure, I think there`s a chance. But don`t forget David has paid good money for the player and he is part of Everton`s toolbox and if he can add to that without underdeveloping him, David will have that option.' Barnsley boss David Flitcroft told the Yorkshire Post.

He continued: "But certainly, if there is a sniff of a chance - and there are a few clubs who will want Stonesy - I would like to think he would want to come back and finish some unfinished business off.

"I think at the minute David wants to assess him in his squad. It has been difficult this week as Stonesy has been on international duty, but I think over the next three weeks Dave will be able to see where he is at with John in terms of if he is going to feature in his plans and is ready for Premiership football.

"Like the step up from League Two and League One to the Championship, the jump up to the Premier League is an adaptation. Most of that for John will be in the summer."

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