Chelsea have reignited their pursuit of John Stones by submitting a third bid of £30million but Everton want £40million for their coveted starlet, according to the Telegraph.
Jose Mourinho caused a stir by substituting his captain John Terry at half-time in their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City and has responded to the defeat by bidding for Stones, who played brilliantly in Everton’s 3-0 win away at Southampton.
Bids of £20million and £26million have been rejected outright and the latest bid is also set to be dismissed by the Merseysiders, who are furious with Chelsea’s behaviour this summer.
Roberto Martinez sees John Stones as a key player for Everton’s future and has repeatedly stated the Barnsley youth graduate is not for sale.
Stones has not let the speculation around his future distract him as he turned in a solid display against Watford, before impressing at the St Mary’s.
With four years left on his contract and with Everton having no need or want to sell, the Premier League champions would have to break the bank and the transfer record for a defender if they want the England international to ply his trade at Stamford Bridge.
Who do you think Stones will be playing for on September 12th, when Everton host Chelsea at Goodison Park?
UPDATE: Everton have rejected Chelsea’s £30million bid for John Stones, according to the Telegraph.
Stones has been Chelsea’s no.1 defensive target this summer and the Londoners are considering bidding for a fourth time, but Everton’s stance is the same as it ever was; the 21-year-old is not for sale.
The Telegraph report that the Premier League champions, whose defensive frailties were highlighted by Manchester City on the weekend, may have to up the bidding to £40million for Everton’s stance to soften, but there is nothing substantial to back up that information.
It’s going to be a long fortnight for Evertonians.
UPDATE: Chelsea are considering a fourth and final bid of £40million for John Stones, the Guardian reports.
Everton rejected a bid of £30million from the Premier League champions on Tuesday morning and have previously dismissed offers of £20million and £26million.
Everton have refused to entertain Chelsea’s advances as of yet but the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have not given up in their chase and are considering an offer of £40million, which would make the 21-year-old the most expensive defender in the history of British football.
Chelsea’s first bid was £20million, so a fourth of £40million would double their original evaluation.
Jose Mourinho sees Stones as a worthwhile long-term investment and replacement for the ageing John Terry, but Roberto Martinez has wholeheartedly refused to let his no.5 leave.
John Stones has not asked for a move himself and has seemingly not been distracted by the furore over his future, having impressed in the opening two games of the season for the Toffees.
The Barnsley youth graduate signed a long-term contract just last summer and has been capped by England on four occasions.
