Chelsea to miss out again?
The Spanish giants are eyeing up John Stones as a possible replacement to Raphael Varane who has once agains been linked with a Man United move.
It has been reported that the Red Devils are looking to finally seal a deal for Varane this January.
And Spanish publication AS claim this could lead Rafa Benitez to looking at Stones as a possible replacement, after being heavily linked with moves to United and Chelsea.
The news will come as a huge blow to Jose Mourinho, who had been tracking the 21 year-old all summer only to have a number of bids turned down by Everton, with boss Roberto Martinez labelling the Englishman as “irreplaceable”.
Stones Stayed Put
The youngster however was keen on a move and even handed in a transfer request, which was promptly rejected by the club.
But this saga did not appear to phase Stones as he put in a fantastic shift to help his side defeat champions Chelsea 3-1 on Saturday.
United also were understood to be keen on signing Stones but have now reportedly made Varane, 22, their top priority for the new years spending.
Louis Van Gaal is believed to still be looking for defensive reinforcement after failing to land Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi during the summer.
By Phil Wellbrook
