According to reports from The Express this morning, Everton are eyeing Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna as a potential replacement for Chelsea and Manchester United target John Stones.
The occasional Italy international is widely expected to leave the Old Lady this summer, having failed to forge a regular first team role since swapping Torino for Turin in summer 2013.
Liverpool, Spurs and Aston Villa were linked to the 27 year-old last month but it now appears to be a direct bidding war between Everton and West Ham.
According to The Express, the Toffees are targeting Ogbonna as a potential replacement for prodigious centre-back John Stones and are now preparing an £11m bid.
Although manager Roberto Martinez would love to keep the England international at Goodison Park next season, he’s well aware of long-term interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
Adding quality at the centre of defence is one of Louis van Gaal’s leading priorities this summer, whilst Stones has been mooted as a potential successor to ageing skipper John Terry at Stamford Bridge for some time.
It’s believed Everton value the 21 year-old at in excess of £20million.
Christy,
You should really do your research, Ogbonna is being targeted as a replacement for the departed Distin and Alcaraz.
I have done my research. Ogbonna isn’t joining another club to sit on the bench. He can do that at Juventus and win a title every year. So unless Martinez is about to drop his captain, looks like Stones will leave.
I sent a reply to you ,but it doesn’t appear to have been received. Stones has said that he is very happy at EVERTON and he isn’t looking for a move away any time soon.Ogbonna
would be a straight replacement for Sylvan Distin.
Unless of course Martinez is looking to implement a 3 man defence, or play Stones as a holding midfielder in front of a back 4 perhaps.
Possible. Could also go at right-back if Coleman is sold.
Christy,
Ray’s response IS correct!!!. If you had any real connection to news about the Blues you wouldn’t have bothered with this nonsense .We, as fans know what is more likely to be true –
than a jobbing journalist.
Christy,
Do you really think a Premier league team would go into a season with just 2 recognised centre backs? You are clueless about football.
No I don’t think that. I’ve never suggested that.