Premier League giants do battle over huge talent.
Manchester United and Manchester City look set to join Chelsea in the running to sign Everton defender John Stones this summer after news of a £20m Blues bid rejected by the Merseyside club.
According to the Daily Mirror, Chelsea’s bid seems to have sparked United and City into life as they chase this top young talent, though even £40m may not be enough to convince the Toffees to let him go.
Stones has looked like developing into a top class defender in his Everton career so far, showing maturity beyond his years to become a first-team regular in the last two seasons, as well as making four appearances for the senior England national team, despite still only being 21 years old.
Chelsea confirmed via their official site today that a defender of their own was leaving, with youngster Tomas Kalas joining Middlesbrough on loan, and it may be that Stones coming in has factored into that decision.
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Still, the Mirror claims they will now face competition from United and City for Stones’ signature, and that it will be no easy task to persuade his club to let him leave for anything like a tempting price.
For all his talent and potential, £40m would surely be enough to put off top clubs bidding for him for the time being.