According to reports from The Daily Mail this afternoon, Chelsea will launch a second bid for Everton defender John Stones within the next 48 hours.
The 21 year-old has emerged as one of the most promising home-grown defenders in the Premier League since moving to Goodison Park from Barnsley in January 2013, earning a place on England’s stand-by list for the 2014 World Cup and a nomination for the 2014 Golden Boy award.
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That dramatic rise is known to have caught the attention of Chelsea and Manchester United, who are both considered to be long-term admirers. And the Premier League champions made good on their interest this morning with a £20million bid for the four-cap international.
It was immediately rejected by the Goodison outfit but according to The Daily Mail, the Blues will now make an improved offer within the next 48 hours. It will be at the value of £26million and come with the added incentive of the 6 foot 2 youngster inheriting the No.6 shirt from Oriol Romeu.
Whether that’s enough, however, remains to be seen. The Toffees allegedly value Stones at in excess of £30million after signing a five year contract in August 2014.