Chelsea will return to Everton with a fourth bid for their defender John Stones in a deal potentially worth £40 million, as per the Guardian...
The broad sheet's report follows news from Everton's camp had divulged that the 21-year-old had submitted a formal transfer request yesterday.
It is also mentioned in the above report that last week, Stones privately informed Roberto Martinez that he wants to join Chelsea.
John Stones has won 56% of his average duels so far this season.
The solid start to the season made by the English international has only fueled the desire that Chelsea have to sign one of their main targets this summer.
"Jamie Carragher: John Stones should turn down Chelsea."
Stones has four years remaining on his contract and manager Martinez has constantly stated that the player is not for sale, as well as that they have no intentions of entering into negotiations for the centre-back.
Should Everton agree to allow one of their prized possessions to move, though, it would leave Martinez with only one senior central defender in the form of Phil Jagielka and little under a week in which to sign a replacement for the talented youngster.
How John Stones compared last season in the Premier League to Chelsea's John Terry, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma.
It is no secret that Jose Mourinho is keen to bolster his defensive options this summer following the poor start to the campaign from veteran Chelsea captain John Terry, especially so since his sending off against West Bromwich Albion in the London club's most recent game.
Any potential move from Stones could result in a huge payday for former club Barnsley, the Guardian explains, who had installed a clause in his contract entitling them to 15% of any transfer fee Everton get for the youngster. Barnsley added this deal when Stones transferred to Everton in January 2013 for an initial £1.25m, potentially rising to £3m with add-ons.
"John Stones has completed 90% of his passes so far this season."
