Chelsea: Varane back on Chelsea radar

While Lescott was largely criticised by Evertonians for the manner of his departure, a return of two league titles, and FA Cup, a League Cup and Champions League experience would suggest his move to City – who visit Goodison on Sunday afternoon – was justified.

And Jagielka admits that Chelsea’s chase for young England star John Stones is now a similar cause for concern.

The Blues have already attempted three bids for the 21-year-old Toffee, with Mourinho clearly desperate to strengthen his defence before the transfer window closes.

“You forget that a couple of years ago we had to wait for Gaz (Barry), James (McCarthy) and Rom (Lukaku)”. It’s a test of his character and if he plays well in the next few games it can only put him in a better light.

“It leads to uncertainty and that isn’t fair on players”.

“The football should take priority”. “We should get rid of the circus and make sure all business is done before the start of the season so that all the entertainment comes from the football”.

Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal to play out home matches at Wembley for 3 years whilst Stamford Bridge is being redeveloped.

But while the England defender is always ready with a word of advice to his young centre-back partner, he is careful not to preach.

And despite the imminent arrival of centre half Ramiro Funes Mori – and the possible signing of Dynamo Kyiv playmaker Andriy Yarmolenko – 33 year old Jagielka insists that Everton fans may have to wait until the transfer window deadline to see manager Roberto Martinez land the players he needs to bolster his squad.

Jagielka knows the problems which lie ahead in the face of City’s attacking might which has so far smashed six without reply. “He’s on to a good thing”.

“There is an argument over whether or not John should stay here and get another 38 Everton games under his belt but that’s for others to decide”.

Jagielka and Stones will be tasked with trying to stop Sergio Aguero on Sunday, a striker the Everton skipper describes as a silent assassin. I can’t get my head around why it works like it does.

“Unlike those players, Aguero doesn’t look for a confrontation”.

Jags, asked to compare him to much-maligned Diego Costa, said: “He is a much quieter character”. He likes to glide away from you and then, bang, before you know it he is in the box. He is a handful and the people around him have started the season very well – David Silva and Yaya Toure.