Everton reject Chelsea’s £26m as Manchester United target John Stones

• Old Trafford club tell intermediaries defender would be welcome at United
• Everton will not sell for less than £30m; Chelsea’s second offer rejected

Chelsea have had a second offer of £26m for John Stones turned down by Everton while Manchester United have also made known their interest in the defender. United have contacted intermediaries working on Stones’s behalf to make him aware that they would welcome him at Old Trafford but they have not yet made a formal approach to Everton and it is Chelsea who are at the front of the queue for his signature.

José Mourinho sees the 21-year-old as a potential long-term successor to John Terry and, although the Chelsea captain remains integral to the club’s starting XI, there is an acknowledgment at Stamford Bridge that now is the time to test Everton’s resolve. Were Chelsea to wait for another season, Stones’s price would surely rise.

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from Sport | The Guardian http://ift.tt/1OCv0xB