Everton are set to reject Chelsea’s third bid for John Stones despite raising their price to £30million
The Premier League Champions are on the verge of submitting their third increased offer for Stones having already seen £20m and £26m offers laughed off.
However, Jose Mourinho remains keen to land the 21-year-old England defender. Mourinho is searching the market to boost his defensive options for the 2015/16 season.
The Toffees remain adamant regarding Stones’ availability and will also reject the third offer out of hand. Everton boss Roberto Martinez aims to keep Stones on Merseyside by September with only him and Phil Jagielka being the only recognised central defenders in the squad.
Martinez claimed Stones loved the club too much to sulk about the move after he appeared in their 2-2 draw with Watford. “He loves Everton. And the team he is an incredible professional.”
Chelsea yet to flourish
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would have learnt a great deal following his side’s disappointing performance on the opening day after being held by Swansea at Stamford Bridge.
The starting Chelsea XI saw no new faces as they set out for the new season with the aim of defending their title, with ultimately the same squad of players as last season. Asmir Begovic and Radamel Falcao – the clubs only notable signings – both came on as substitutes.
Chelsea are expected to tie up a deal for Augsburg defender Baba Rahman this but their search for Stones is likely to go right down to the wire with Everton not budging.
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