There are rumours that Chelsea have made an official bid for Everton defender John Stones that has been rejected. Although this would me...
Although this would mean we are in the early stages of this transfer, signing the young Everton defender, would be a terrific move by the Stamford Bridge club.
Chelsea are currently well stocked in defence but there is a need to plan for the future and look to a time when John Terry is no longer at the heart of the Blues' back line.
Buying Stones would be a major step in planning for the future. Stones is 21 but has experience of three seasons playing first team football, including two in the Premier League. An England international his signature would suggest he would be groomed as the long term successor to Terry.
In the meantime he would play alongside the Chelsea captain and get a chance to be gently integrated into the club's first team. This would see him get Champions League experience and the opportunity to take his game to a higher level.
Please How much longer does John Terry have at the top?
One of the key factors with Stones is that he is English. Mourinho is keen to maintain an English presence at the core of the team. This would help Chelsea maintain adherence to home grown rules domestically and in Europe and have a talented defender in the squad.
The only issue in the way now would be Chelsea and Everton agreeing a fair value for the 21-year-old. There is no telling what that will be, but Everton are bound to test the resolve of Chelsea to land his signature.
Having played so much at a young age, his talent is there for all to see. His age, ability and nationality mean that Stones would make a fantastic signing from the Blues, if the price is right of course.
