With Chelsea‘s pursuit of Everton defender John Stones set to end in failure following Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright’s statement rejecting the youngster’s transfer request, we look at five other targets the Blues can turn to.
1) Ezequiel Garay
The Argentinian central defender has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer and has a wealth experience at European and international level and would be a superb signing for the reigning Premier League champions.
2) Raphael Varane
The Frenchman played under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid earlier his career and has been linked with a reunion with the Portuguese manager this summer.
3) Branislav Ivanovic
A possible internal solution for Mourinho as he could deploy Ivanovic as a centre-half, bring Cesar Azpilicueta over to right-back and have new signing Abdul Baba Rahman slot in on the left-hand side.
4) Marquinhos
The young Brazilian has been tipped for a bright future in the game, but with him being behind compatriots Thiago Silva and David Luiz in the pecking order at Paris Saint-Germain, could a move to England tempt the 21-year-old?
5) Aymen Abdennour
Perhaps a shock inclusion, but with AS Monaco failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stages this season, Abdennour could be on the transfer market and the Blues could do a lot worse than the 26-year-old, who was in great form last season.