Manchester giants join Chelsea in their interest in John Stones

Stones is one of the best young defenders in Europe, and Chelsea have already had two offers to sign him rejected this summer.

As previously suggested Manchester United will not match Chelsea’s monetary offer, but according to reports like the one that appeared in the Echo, they could include a number of players as make-weights including Jonny Evans, Javier Hernandez, Tyler Blackett and Ashley Young.

The media-fuelled John Stones saga has entered its next phase with reports claiming that Chelsea are preparing a third – and possibly final – bid for John Stones, while both Manchester clubs have supposedly entered the running for Everton’s prized defender.

However, the Telegraph also claims Manchester United have turned their attention to the 21-year-old as they are desperate to improve their defensive options and have earmarked Stones, having given up on their pursuit of Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos.

Stones struggled with injury in the first half of last season but recovered to make 23 top flight appearnces, in which he won 27/40 of his attempted tackles and 59/93 of his headed duels.

However, reports on Thursday suggested that United were now looking at hijacking the Blues deal for Stones as Louis van Gaal looks to sure up his fragile defence.

It’s nice that Chelsea want to be friends again 0 but it will make no difference to Everton’s stance on Stones.