According to Sky Sports, Everton have rejected a bid of around £30million for centre-back John Stones from Chelsea.
In fact it is also being reported that the Toffees have told the champions that he is not for sale.
The south west London club have already seen bids of around £20million and £25million turned down by the Merseysider’s, but it seems Jose Mourinho’s men are determined to keep upping the ante for the centre-back.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the best young British defenders in the game and he has been compared to former-Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand in his style of play.
He has formed a strong partnership with England international colleague Phil Jagielka at the heart of the Toffees defence. Both players recently impressed in the Toffees 3-0 victory at Southampton.
Chelsea have started their Premier League campaign in a sluggish manner and are looking to bolster their squad following a 3-0 hammering at the hands of title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
Captain and centre-back John Terry was substituted at half-time by Blues boss Jose Mourinho, but the his side went on to concede a further two goals in the second half.
The move would be a difficult one to turn down for John Stones, with the prospect of a hefty pay rise and a chance to compete for the big prizes.
However, he would only be regarded as back-up to Gary Cahill and the aforementioned Terry. At Everton though he will play regularly and with the European Championships less than a year away it is vital he is playing on a regular basis.
Should Chelsea keep pursuing John Stones?
