Chelsea FC Transfer Rumours: Blues To Increase John Stones Bid
With the transfer rumour mill in full flow, Sky Sports are reporting that Chelsea FC are set to offer Everton an improved deal for John Stones, after their initial bid was rejected.
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Multiple sources claimed that the Blues had put in a £20million bid for the defender yesterday, an offer which the Toffees rebuked. Now, the infamous Sky Sources are guaranteeing that an improved offer will be made, exemplifying how highly Jose Mourinho rates the player.
‘Everton insist the player is not for sale, but Chelsea are still hopeful of reaching an agreement to sign the 21-year-old.’
The youngster joined Everton in January 2013 from Burnley for a fee reported to be around the £3million mark. Although registered for the remainder of that campaign, he failed to take the field and his career on Merseyside began in earnest during the 2013/14 season.
Stones has made over 20 league appearances in each of the last two campaigns, and has played 54 times for Everton in all competitions. He plays primarily as a centre-back, but has been used at right-back frequently during his career. From an administrative point of view, he’ll also be able to help fill out the home-grown players quota.
While his defensive qualities have been praised by fans and pundits alike, the Englishman has an attacking threat that has been little talked about. Despite a reasonably bulky 6ft 2in frame, Stones is able to move athletically and quickly around the field. Furthermore, he has a confidence on the ball that has been lauded by none other than John Terry.
‘He is exceptional with both feet, he is a ball-playing centre half which you need to be these days.
‘He is extremely confident. He looks to play from the back and that can only be good for English football that the likes of him are coming through,’ Terry told talkSPORT.
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With Terry himself edging closer to retirement (he’s 34, don’t kid yourself) and Gary Cahill hitting 30 this year as well, long-term replacements are needed in the heart of the Chelsea defence.
While the Blues already have the likes of Kurt Zouma being developed from the internal system, having competition in the form of the England international will force the Blues youngsters to up their game. Moreover, Stones is already of the quality that you could start him in a Champions League final and not feel uneasy about it.
What is likely to be the biggest issue for Blues fans is the price. £20million already seems quite chunky for such a young talent, but given that Raheem Sterling was just sold for £49m, Everton are justified in holding out for a bigger number. This especially since he is contracted at Goodison Park until 2019. If Mourinho can capture him for around £25m, that should be seen as a job well done.
What do you think, Chelsea fans? Do you like the idea of Stones lining up in the royal blue of CFC? Or would you rather the money be spent on a midfielder? Get involved and sound off in the comments below!
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