According to reports from Mirror Football yesterday evening, Chelsea will launch a new bid for Everton defender John Stones this week.
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 nomination for the 2014 Golden Boy award and comparisons with a young Rio Ferdinand.
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That’s generated plenty of interest from the Premier League’s top clubs. Manchester City and Manchester United have both been linked with Stones by the tabloids, but champions Chelsea have been far more public with their pursuit of the England international.
Indeed, they’ve already seen two bids rejected, whilst Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has accused Jose Mourinho and captain John Terry of breaching FA rules by openly discussing the west London outfit’s interest in the 6 foot 2 defender.
And according to Mirror Football, the Merseysiders are now bracing themselves for a third offer from Chelsea this week worth around £30million – which would be the club’s biggest bid by far this summer.
Martinez, however, remains adamant that Stones isn’t for sale – and that his head hasn’t been turned by the Premier League champs. He said; “He loves Everton, he loves the club and the team and he is an incredible professional, so no, I don’t think you would ever expect him to sulk – he will always react professionally.”
Previous reports suggest Everton will only sell for a Premier League record fee for a defender – currently held by Manchester City’s £32million man Eliaquim Mangala.