As Chelsea bide their time and hope John Stones comes to them, Everton are planning for his replacement.
Chelsea may have suspended their pursuit of Everton star defender John Stones, but the Toffees appear to be looking for a replacement in case Chelsea come back with an offer they can’t refuse.
According to talkSPORT, Everton have been in talks with Inter Milan about star defender Andrea Ranocchia and are willing to pounce if Chelsea makes a larger offer for John Stones in the near future.
Since signing with Inter Milan on a €19 million deal in 2010, Ranocchia has been an effective starter with with the Serie A giants, earning Serie A Team of the Year honors in 2011.
However, Everton may have a hard time prying him from Italy after the 27-year-old defender signed a contract extension that runs through 2019.
The Daily Mail reported that Everton chairman Bill Kenwright will consider an offer of £40 million for the 21-year-old Stones. The Toffees have already rejected three previous bids from Chelsea in the area of £20-30 million for the star defender.
SEE MORE:
Chelsea boss predicts his own Stamford Bridge SUCCESSOR
Most expensive defenders ever: £31.7m Otamendi transfer fee dwarfed by Chelsea & Man United deals
Chelsea offer £39m – TEN TIMES VALUE! – for French WONDERKID
COMMENTS