According to reports from The Daily Star this afternoon, Real Madrid have identified Chelsea target John Stones as a potential replacement for Raphael Varane.
The Blues saw three bids for the England defender – the last and most lucrative being worth £30million – turned down by Everton during the summer, despite him making a formal transfer request at Goodison Park in the final week of the transfer window.
Currently boasting the worst defensive record in the Premier League, conceding twelve times in just five games, the west Londoners are widely expected to return for the 21 year-old within the next two transfer windows.
But according to The Daily Star, who cite reports from Spanish publication AS, they now face competition from former European champions Real Madrid – who have listed the prodigious centre-half as a potential replacement for Raphael Varane.
Bernabeu president Florentino Perez revealed earlier this month that Manchester United were targeting the France international during the summer, along with striker Karim Benzema and former Spurs star Gareth Bale, amid their search for a star-studded centre-back.
Once dubbed by Jose Mourinho as ‘the best young defender in the world‘, Los Blancos will be reluctant to see the 22 year-old leave. But he could well decide force a Red Devils move in the near future, after experienced centre-back duo Pepe and Sergio Ramos were issued long-term contracts during the off-season.
Should an Old Trafford switch take place, Rafa Benitez will reportedly begin his pursuit of the Toffees starlet.
Also in the news:
Real tempted to flog Arsenal and Man United linked playmaker for £37m
Bayern enter Everton and Liverpool’s race for Championship prodigy
Chelsea to solve crisis with shock swoop for Man United star
Arsenal and Barca set for January bidding war over PL’s top attacker
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