Raphael Varane remains Chelsea’s primary defensive target
Chelsea are plotting a bid for Everton and England under 21 star John Stones, according to the Evening Standard.
Jose Mourinho‘s first choice centre back target this summer is France international Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, who Mourinho mentored at the Bernabeu.
But with Sergio Ramos heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, Real may be reluctant to sell Varane, with Stones emerging as a back up option for Chelsea.
Everton have valued Stones at £20 million minimum
Stones was one of the Toffees’ shining lights during a poor Premier League campaign last season, where they ended up 11th.
If Everton were to sell the 21 year old, they would make a big profit, having bought him for just £3 million from Barnsley in 2013.
He would have to compete with the likes of John Terry, Gary Cahill, and Kurt Zouma for a start in the Chelsea side, with Mourinho keen on having strength in depth in defence.
In an interview with Talksport last week, club captain John Terry was full of praise for the young centre half, saying:
“I have seen a lot of games and I am a big fan of his. He pulls wide of the box and wants the ball and for a young defender to do that in the Premier League takes some guts.
“He is exceptional with both feet, he is a ball-playing centre half which you need to be these days.
“He is extremely confident. He looks to play from the back and that can only be good for English football that the likes of him are coming through. He is definitely one I have been impressed by.”
Stones was part of the England under 21 squad, who failed to get out of their European Championship group.
By Joseph Richardson
