According to reports from The Telegraph this afternoon, the potential sale of Juan Cuadrado in January could allow Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to revive his interest in Everton defender John Stones.
The west London outfit snapped up the winger from Fiorentina for £23.3million in January 2015 but loaned him to Juventus during the summer after just 13 Premier League appearances. The Old Lady now want to acquire the Colombian international permanently for £16million.
That sum is £2million short of Chelsea’s asking price yet rather insignificant to manager Jose Mourinho. The club’s hierarchy have insisted the Blues’ one in, one out policy remains in tact despite the horrendous start to their Premier League title defence, meaning Mourinho will only be allowed to sign a someone in January if Cuadrado (or another Chelsea player) leaves permanently.
The Telegraph speculate the South American’s departure could resultantly see Chelsea revive their interest in Everton centre-back John Stones following three failed bids during the summer, the last and most lucrative allegedly being worth around £38million.
He’s started the season in strong form compared to Chelsea’s current crop of defenders, averaging 2.3 tackles, 2.3 interceptions, 2.3 successful aerial duels and one block per match.
There is another option on their radar, however; long-term Manchester United target Marquinhos, who allegedly told his agent to ‘evaluate the market‘ earlier this month after becoming disillusioned with live on the PSG subs bench.