Chelsea Gets Greenlight To Sign John Stones As Everton Seeks Replacement

As per reports, Everton manager Roberto Martinez is keeping a close eye on Burnley defender Michael Keane.  Chelsea will reportedly be reaffirming their interest in Everton defender John Stones come January and the Toffees do not feel they can mount up another resistance for the 21 year old hence a replacement in the form of 22 year old Michael Keane is being scouted.

It would be recalled that Michael Keane was a Manchester United player before joining Burnley after failing to impress Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal. The youngster was originally on loan at Burnley before making a his move permanent and has gone on to become an important piece in Sean Dyche’s puzzle. Even though Burnley failed in their relegation battle, Michael Keane was one of the few bright sparks in the team.

So far this season in the Championship, Michael Keane has been a stand out performer for Burnley featuring in all their matches this season with no other player performing more defensive actions than the ex-United man. Only time would tell if Michael Keane will eventually become an Everton player in the coming days but if he does, he would be under enormous pressure at Everton as he would be replacing one of the best young English defenders at the moment.

For Chelsea this should serve as a boost in their January pursuit of John Stones. The Blues were left flat-footed by Everton in the summer after the Toffees proved too stubborn in selling their highly rated defender. However, with Martinez already searching for a replacement for John Stones, it would suggest that Everton are already preparing for life after John Stones. The Blues should find it relatively easy to sign John Stones this time around as it seems Everton will be willing to do business in January with a replacement already in sight.