England defender John Stones is reportedly nearing a move to Italian club Inter as a free transfer. The 32-year-old left Manchester City in June.
Inter and rival Italian club Juventus had shown interest in Stones before the World Cup. However, Inter are now in pole position to recruit him following his impressive form during England's journey to the semi-finals.
Stones made 13 appearances for Manchester City last season before an injury in December. After a two-month recovery, he was selected only five more times by then-manager Pep Guardiola.
At the World Cup, Stones started England's opening game against Croatia and the quarter-final victory against Norway, as well as the semi-final defeat to Argentina. He also made substitute appearances in knockout wins against the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mexico.
Towards the end of last season, Stones expressed his ambition to play at the top level, stating, "I still feel I have so much to give a club and I feel in a good moment physically." He added that a new challenge would be exciting and he was keeping an open mind.
While Inter are confident of securing Stones, the deal could still collapse if a Premier League club expresses interest. Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly in the market for defenders, but neither has yet made a move for Stones.