According to reports from The Guardian yesterday evening, Everton have rejected a £26million Chelsea bid for John Stones, whilst Manchester United have also entered the race to sign the England defender.
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 place on England’s stand-by list for the 2014 World Cup and a nomination for the 2014 Golden Boy award.
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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to sign the four-cap international. The Blues have already seen a £20million bid rejected by the Mersey outfit, leading the Portuguese to tacitly admit he may have to meet Everton’s demands by making an offer that eclipses the Premier League record for a defender – currently held by Manchester City’s £32million signing Eliaquim Mangala.
But it appears Chelsea now face considerable competition for Stones’ signature from Manchester United. We’ve documented their interest since early June but it has now taken a more direct form; according to The Guardian, the Red Devils have ‘contacted intermediaries working on Stones’ behalf’ to inform them of interest from Old Trafford.
United have been knocked back in their pursuits of Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos this summer, leading them to deem Stones a viable alternative.
Under contract until 2019, however, Everton boss Roberto Martinez has insisted he’s under no pressure to sell the 6 foot 2 centre-back.