Chelsea identify strong alternative to John Stones as Everton defender chase stalls

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Chelsea have started to divert their attention away from Everton defender John Stones as the Toffees continue to insist the youngster will not be sold this summer, according to the Daily Telegraph.

21-year-old England international John Stones has been the subject of no less than four unsuccessful Blues bids (via Sunday Express) and with time running out Jose Mourinho must therefore consider potential alternative signings.

Chelsea have started the season very poorly, managing just one win in four matches and failing to keep a single clean sheet in the process, and the summer transfer window closes on September 1.

The Daily Telegraph claimed the West London side are now looking to Zenit St Petersburg defender Ezequiel Garay and Monaco’s Aymen Abdennour as potential alternatives to Stones.

However, the  Tunisia defender has subsequently moved to Spanish side Valencia [via the club’s official website], apparently leaving Garay as the club’s only viable alternative.

Garay is a seasoned campaigner, although he lacks the Premier League experience that John Stones would offer Chelsea.

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28-year-old Zenit defender Garay has proven himself across Europe with spells at Real Madrid and Benfica leading to domestic titles in Spain and Portugal before the Argentine international moved to Russia a year ago, where he once again collected a title triumph.

More Stories Aymen Abdennour Ezequiel Garay John Stones