The Blues’ move for Everton centre half John Stones is still on the cards as the Toffees will let him move to Stamford Bridge if they can pay £34m, says Metro.
The Liverpool-based side have rebuffed two offers of £20m and £26m respectively for the 21-year old defender, with the club maintaining their stance of not selling their prized asset.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Stones has now appeared somewhat long-drawn with both the Premier League champions and Everton going public about the transfer for the young England international centre half.
Roberto Martinez – the Toffees boss – has slammed Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho over the chase of Stones in the past and only last week, the Telegraph reported that the Spanish tinkerman blasted Blues captain John Terry for echoing his manager’s opinion that Stones can be his successor.
However, despite chairman Bill Kenwright and boss Roberto Martinez claims that Stones will not be sold, Metro says a £34m bid will railroad the club into selling the former Barnsley ace.
The news outlet goes on to say Mourinho will be willing to pay the fee as he wants to beat Manchester United to the signature of Stones.
Martinez claimed yesterday that the interest from Chelsea has unsettled Stones and hindered his performance in training. The former Wigan boss says their decision to snub the Blues’ bids for Stones has made him unhappy.
Stones’ rise had been fast. The 21-year old has became captain Phil Jagielka’s central defensive partner and earned four caps with the England national team.
Squawka rates Stones’ performance against last season relegation escapees Leicester City – in their Premier League opening match which they drew 2-2 – as average.
The defender managed to win 50% of his tackles and 50% of his aerial duels yesterday
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