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England international John Stones has become a free agent following his departure from Manchester City, and Chelsea have now shown interest in securing his signature this summer.

The Blues are targeting one or two new centre-backs during the current transfer window, and Standard Sport understands that the 32-year-old has been added to their shortlist of defensive options.

Among Chelsea’s other defensive targets is Como’s Jacobo Ramon, while the club is also in active discussions with Crystal Palace regarding France defender Maxence Lacroix. The negotiations are being spearheaded by Palace chairman and co-owner Steve Parish.

Stones officially became available on 1 July after his contract with Manchester City expired, ending his long tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

There are reports that several other clubs are also monitoring the England defender, who played a key role for his national team over the past six weeks as they secured third place at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States — England’s best finish in the tournament since 1966.

The former Everton player featured sparingly for City last season, making only 15 appearances due to ongoing injury problems and Pep Guardiola’s preference for Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi in central defence.

Guehi, who partnered Stones in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace in January for £35 million, further limiting Stones’ playing opportunities.

During the recent World Cup, Stones and Guehi started three matches together at the heart of England’s defence, with manager Thomas Tuchel selecting the City duo against Mexico, Norway and Argentina.