Chelsea will launch a fifth bid for Everton defender John Stones in January, according to the Daily Mirror.
Jose Mourinho’s defence has been decidedly leaky this term with Chelsea conceding nine goals in their opening four Premier League fixtures.
Both John Terry and Gary Cahill have spent time out of Mourinho’s starting eleven and young Frenchman Kurt Zouma hasn’t fared all that well when called upon by the Blues boss.
The Daily Mirror claim it will take a bid of around £40m to convince Everton to sell 21-year-old England international John Stones and by January such a signing may prove key for Mourinho’s ambitions.
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Everton signed John Stones from Barnsley two and a half years ago and the versatile defender, who can play as a full-back or in his more regular slot in the centre of defence, has matured into one of the best in his position in the Premier League.
Whilst Mourinho targets the Toffees starlet the Daily Mirror believe that the West London side are ready to bid farewell to veteran Branislav Ivanovic, the usually reliable right-back has been found wanting this term with a succession of wide attacking opponents making his life hell with the likes of Jefferson Montero and Raheem Sterling being particularly effective against the Serbian.
During the summer transfer window, Mourinho did reinvest in his defence, signing Papy Djilobodji, Abdul Rahman Baba and Michael Hector.