With Pedro in hand, Chelsea can now re-focus their attention on Everton Defender John Stones. This transfer situation has seen its share of tension, with a war of words of sorts breaking out between the two managers, Roberto Martinez and Jose Mourinho.
The sought after central defender has handed in his formal transfer request, according to multiple sources, including the Guardian. Chelsea is ready to submit their final offer of $60 million for Stones.
Mourinho gave the following update on a potential move for Stones on August 21st:
“I don’t speak about players from other clubs,” Mourinho said. “The opportunity window, in these last two weeks, it depends on the opportunities. Can you do something you believe you can’t lose the opportunity to do.”
It’s been reported that the Toffees have turned down both a £20 and £30 million bid from Chelsea for Stones. Everton manager Roberto Martinez said that he is “not aware” of any transfer request having been made by Chelsea target John Stones.
Here’s how John Stones measures up statistically versus Chelsea’s current central defenders.
GRAPHIC: John Stones vs Chelsea’s CBs https://t.co/crTy6bAgnS #EFC #CFC pic.twitter.com/uiEs7kXtdo
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 18, 2015
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is part of the FOX Sports Engage Network. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous talk radio stations all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.
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