7M - John Stones on verge of shock Inter Milan free transfer as Italian giants beat Chelsea and Arsenal to England ace

Inter Milan are on the verge of winning the race to sign free-agent John Stones.

The centre-back, 32, left Manchester City when the season finished and has been without a club since.

Stones won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup during his time at City. However, appearances have been limited in recent years due to injury issues for the former Everton defender.

He only managed 18 games for the Etihad club last season as he was either left on the bench or struggling with niggles including a thigh problem. But he showed he still has plenty to offer in five games at the World Cup as England made the semi-finals.

Juventus made a move over the weekend but appear to have lost out to Serie A champions Inter, with a two-year contract close to being finalised. Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the Barnsley Beckenbauer, but the Blues look to have gone for Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix instead.

Stones' old Etihad centre-back partner Vincent Kompany—now boss of Bayern Munich, where Stones' Three Lions pal Harry Kane plays—has also had a look, while Napoli were reported to be interested. Juventus need a new centre-half with Gleison Bremer, 29, expected to join Galatasaray.

Stones' England team-mate Jordan Henderson is also on the verge of a surprise move. The midfielder, who is recovering from the broken arm he suffered at the World Cup, is being lined up for a free switch to Chelsea from Brentford.

Henderson, 36, joined the Bees on a two-year deal ahead of last season following 18 months at Ajax. Keith Andrews' side could now grant him a free transfer to Chelsea as he prolongs his career at the top level.