Everton defender John Stones has become the primary target for Chelsea, as the defending champions are hoping to add defensive depth before the closure of the summer transfer window.
According to Goal, the Blues will offer Everton £30m for the 21-year-old defender as they look to make their third bid the charm.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has insisted that his defender is not for sale, although he later admitted that a bid of at least £30m would at least be tempting.
Goal also reports that Stones is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, and the Blues are prepared to offer him a five-year deal that would see him earn around £100,000-per-week.
However, Martinez gave a different side to the story.
“He loves Everton, he loves the club and the team and he is an incredible professional, so no I don’t think you would ever expect him to sulk – he will always react professionally,” Martinez said.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho views Stones as an ideal long-term replacement for 34-year-old captain John Terry.
The Blues captain has been a part of all four of the club’s Premier League titles and has played all 17 seasons of his career at Stamford Bridge.
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