After Abramovich Endorsement, Paul Pogba & Powerful CB Set To Complete January Move

Chelsea’s nightmare in trying to sign their summer target John Stones seems unending with rumour making the round claiming that Spanish giants Barcelona have entered the race to sign the highly rated young star.

According to Daily Star, the UEFA Champions League defending champions have targeted the Toffees centre back as a potential replacement for both Javier Mascherano and Thomas Vermaelen as they are in the twilight of their career.

Chelsea had three bids rejected by the Toffees last season for stones and they are reportedly planning an irresistible offer for the 21-year old England international come January.

However with this latest development, Chelsea would not only have to battle with everton for the services of Stones but would also have to compete with the European giants Barcelona.

It will be recalled last season that the Catalan giants hijacked Chelsea deal for former Atletico man Arda Turan and have also reportedly agree deal for Chelsea target Paul Pogba for January switch.

Although Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich reportedly sanctioned both Pogba and Stones move last summer but the deal could not materialized.

This will definitely be a big concern for the Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho, whose team’’s defense have been poor this season, having conceded a total of 17 goal in eight EPL games.

Chelsea could however have the upper hand in signing Stones in January giving that Spain has not really been a good ground for England internationals to play the game of football.

Barcelona are also said to be interested in securing the services of other centre back including Brazilian star Marquinhos, Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte and Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez.