Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has appeared to play down a move for Everton star John Stones, reports the Daily Express.
They have already seen bids of £20 million and £26 million turned down by the Toffees, and may not be willing to go any further in their efforts to sign the 21-year-old. The Goodison Park outfit have generally managed to hold on to their best players in recent seasons, with Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman, and Ross Barkley all staying despite rumours linking them away.
“I don’t speak about players from other clubs, especially now competition starts,” said Mourinho, “It starts for us and Arsenal now [Community Shield] and next week starts for everyone. It’s enough for me.”
SEE MORE
Chelsea transfer news
Manchester United transfer rumours
Former Manchester United star set to replace new Liverpool signing in SURPRISE move
This means that the Blues may have to look elsewhere to strengthen their defence, but luckily for them there are several options around Europe.
5) Samuel Umtiti, Lyon
The Blues were linked with a move for the 21-year-old last month [Daily Express], and could be tempted to go back in now that they look out of luck in their efforts for Stones. The Frenchman is a similar player to Kurt Zouma, a young French centre-back who has impressed in Ligue 1.
4) Antonio Rudiger, VfB Stuttgart
Before being struck down with a knee injury, it seemed that the 22-year-old was set for Stamford Bridge [Metro]. Could they now be willing to take a risk and sign an injured player?
3) Nicolas Otamendi, Valencia
Although Manchester United are heavily linked with a move for the 28-year-old, he has also been offered to Chelsea [Daily Star]. Not as young as come of the others on this list, but the Argentina international could make an instant impact for the Premier League champions.
2) Raphael Varane, Real Madrid
Mourinho brought the 22-year-old to the Bernabeu in 2011, and now may try to sign him a second time [Metro]. One of the best young players in Europe, it would be a major transfer coup if they could get the France international to Stamford Bridge.
1) Diego Godin, Atletico Madrid
Chelsea were linked to the 29-year-old at the beginning of the summer [Daily Star], and could reignite that interest if they miss out on Stones. They have shown a propensity for signing Atleti stars in recent times, shown through Diego Costa and Filipe Luis, and could Godin be next?