John Stones to Chelsea: Everton reject £30million bid
By Matt Law
Chelsea are considering their next move over John Stones after their third bid of £30million was turned down by Everton.
Central defender Stones is Jose Mourinho’s main target before the transfer window shuts, but Chelsea face the prospect of having to pay up to £40m to land him.
Having now failed with bids of £20m, £26m and £30m, Chelsea are likely to want encouragement from either Stones or Everton before making a fourth offer.
Despite insisting Stones is not for sale, Everton will find it difficult to hold on to the 21-year-old if he asks to leave or if the bidding hits £40m.
Chelsea’s negotiating position has not been helped by Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, which saw their captain John Terry substituted by Mourinho at half-time.
Stones would potentially provide competition for Terry and right-back Branislav Ivanovic, whose form has been poor.
Having finally completed the signing of left-back Baba Rahman, Mourinho wants to land Stones and could still move for another attacking player if Chelsea can sell either Juan Cuadrado or Victor Moses.
Cuadrado is among the list of Juventus’ attacking midfield targets.
Mourinho has been concerned that Chelsea are in danger of falling behind their title rivals with City and United both poised to complete more deals before the window shuts.
Source: The Telegraph (UK)
