According to reports from The Daily Mail, Chelsea will revive their interest in Everton defender John Stones during the January transfer window.
Since his £3million arrival from Barnsley in January 2013, the 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting home-grown talents on show in the Premier League, boasting unique flair and pace for an English centre-half. Many have resultantly compared the 6 foot 2 prodigy to a young Rio Ferdinand, describing him as a ‘continental’ defender due to his comfort in possession.
Ball-playing centre-backs are more popular than ever in the Premier League, which when combined with Stones’ obvious potential is why reigning champions Chelsea launched three bids for him during the summer transfer window, the last and most lucrative being worth £30million – coincidentally, the same sum Manchester United paid for Ferdinand back in 2002.
Perhaps unsurprisingly considering how Chelsea have struggled since seeing all of their bids rejected by Everton, currently laying in 16th place after seven defeats in twelve Premier League fixtures, The Daily Mail claim the west Londoners are ready to go back in for the England international once the transfer market reopens in January.
The report comes amid news that summer signing Papy Djilobodji will likely be sold in January after making a solitary appearance for Jose Mourinho’s side, a token substitute outing in the Capital One Cup. He was signed on deadline day for £2.7million as emergency cover after Chelsea missed out on Stones and Mourinho made it clear from the off that the Senegal international has no real future at Stamford Bridge. Besiktas want to sign the 26-year-old, potentially on loan, although other clubs are also interested.
But whether the Toffees will sell their brightest prospect midseason remains another issue. They put up a staunch defence during the summer, even rejecting Stones’ transfer request, and have reportedly opened contract talks with the defender to try and prevent a January departure.
Considering Stones’ indisputable talent, a new deal may not prolong his Goodison Park career for much longer. But it will keep him on Merseyside until at least after Euro 2016 where, depending upon England’s progress and his importance in Roy Hodgson’s plans, the youngster’s market value could soar.