John Stones to Manchester United: Red Devils ‘join Chelsea’ in pursuit of

Chelsea have secured the long-term future of centre-back Tomas Kalas to Stamford Bridge, casting doubt on speculations linking them with a move for Everton starlet John Stones.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is said to be furious at the public way Chelsea made their move for England centre-back Stones while the Toffees were in Singapore for the Barclay’s Asia Trophy.

But with United entering the race – and Arsenal also believed to be keen on Stones too – it seems Chelsea won’t have it all their own way in the chase for a player rated as one of the best defensive prospects around.

It’s now emerged that United are also interested in Stones having identified his potential three years ago.

With the impressive Kurt Zouma waiting in the wings, Stones may well find himself fourth choice under Jose Mourinho, a situation that could go some way to hampering the 21-year-old’s development.

Everton have already had a bid rejected for Jonny Evans and so it stands to reason that the player that some even though should have been named captain when David Moyes took over (yes, some did actually think that) could be used as makeweight.

Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos is top of the list despite Bernabeu boss Rafa Benitez claiming in Melbourne last week that the Spanish global is not for sale.