Chelsea missed out on signing Everton defender John Stones during the summer window, and it seems the Blues have major competition for the signature of the England international.
According to the Daily Star, the 21-year-old defender is on the radar of a number of top clubs and is now drawing interest from Real Madrid.
The La Liga giants are planning to use Stones as a replacement plan for Raphael Varane, who has been linked to Manchester United.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has refused to put Stones up for sale, but he admitted that the Toffees could lose the youngster in the future.
“There are right times and wrong times to lose players and at this moment John Stones is paramount in everything we do,” Martinez said.
Man United previously expressed serious interest in star defender Sergio Ramos, who has since signed a new contract with Real Madrid that will run through 2020.
Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has since shifted his focus to Varane, who would offer similar value youth-wise at age 22.
It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will be able to seal the deal for Stones if they lose Varane.
SEE ALSO:
Football video app
5 Premier League strikers FAILING to meet expectations: Arsenal, Chelsea & Man United stars blanked
Man United predicted XI vs PSV: Dutchman set for starring role, summer signing on bench
COMMENTS