The Blues want the talented John Stones…
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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has earmarked a move for Everton’s prodigiously talented central defender John Stones, reports the Daily Star.
The 19-year-old made 21 Premier League appearances for Roberto Martinez’s free-flowing side last term, earning himself a spot on the standby list for Roy Hodgson’s England World Cup squad as a result. He can play at right-back, but performed best at the heart of the Toffees defence.
Stones arrived at Goodison Park from Barnsley in January 2013, and after initially struggling for game time, took advantage of Phil Jagielka’s injury this season and began to develop his undeniable talent with a series of strong performances at centre-back.
The Blues reportedly are readying a £12m offer, although it’s likely that Everton would demand far more for their young English defender – because of his age, his talent, and his nationality.
Chelsea already have an excellent central defence, and it seems unlikely that Stones would be able to implement himself on the first-team anyway, at this point in time.
Chelsea only conceded 27 top flight goals all season, which was by far the fewest in the Premier League. This was mainly thanks to the excellent centre-back pairing of John Terry and Gary Cahill. Skipper Terry has recently signed a contract extension which will keep him at Stamford Bridge for at least one more season, while his partner Cahill is arguably the best central defender in the country right now.
The form of the pairing has meant Brazilian international David Luiz has struggled to get into the side in his favoured position – and it’s quite possible that he’ll move to Barcelona, with former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song being offered as past of a swap deal.
Kurt Zouma is also arriving at Stamford Bridge this summer already, meaning that Jose Mourinho could be planning on nurturing one of either Zouma or Stones to replace the ageing Terry, and fill the void left by David Luiz is he moves to Spain.
Stones prides himself on his composure with the ball at his feet, his defensive positioning, and his aerial ability. If Phil Jones doesn’t find his fitness in time for the World Cup, it’s quite possible that Stones could be called up in his place.
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