Toffees playing hard-ball with Premier League champions
Everton will only sell John Stones to Chelsea if they receive £30million plus a player in exchange.
The Premier League champions have already had two formal bids rejected by The Toffees, with the first being worth £20m and the second being worth £25m.
However, Roberto Martinez and officials at Goodison Park are holding out for at least £30m for the 21-year-old centre-back, and may even ask for a player in exchange.
It’s not yet understood what player they’d want in return, but it’s clear that they are reluctant to sell the young English defender, who is expected to be a key figure in Martinez‘s first-team next season.
Chelsea Interest
Jose Mourinho is desperate to land the 21-year-old as he sees him as a long-term replacement for John Terry. However, he will have to cough up the money if he wants to land him this summer.
As of yet, Stones hasn’t officially handed in a transfer request or asked to leave Everton, but it has been reported that he informed Martinez at the end of the season that he could be tempted by a big-club move.
The lure of Champions League football and a chance to win trophies could entice Stones to Stamford Bridge, and Everton know if a third bid comes in, it will be hard to reject.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
