Chelsea will again attempt to sign Everton defender John Stones in the January transfer window, according to reports.
The Premier League champions missed out on signing the England international during the summer window despite reportedly tabling a bid of around £36m for the 21-year-old.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez is desperate to keep hold of Stones, but The Sun reports Chelsea will use highly-rated youngster Bertrand Traore as part of a deal to land the former Barnsley man.
The report suggests Chelsea value Traore at £8m, but the Blues are prepared to part ways with the Burkina Faso international if it means the Jose Mourinho gets his number one target.
Stones can be added to Chelsea’s Champions League squad should he join the club in January, but it remains to be seen if the addition of Traore will sway the Toffees’ into selling its most prized asset.
Chelsea have endured a lacklustre start to its title defence and currently sit 13th on the Premier League table after four matches.
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