CONFIRMED – Chelsea To Sign Best DEFENDER In England, Will Wear Number 26

While saying the club have a great squad, Everton chief, Bill Kenwright is of the belief that Chelsea target John Stones is the best centre back in England, talkSPORT reports.

Chelsea are keen on Stones and have submitted an initial bid of £20 million which was swiftly rejected by the Toffees. Reports have suggested Blues boss, Jose Mourinho will not be discouraged, and is lining up an improved offer of, as per the above source, £30 million.

Mourinho has insisted that he will continue to chase the youngster until the chairman or Roberto Martinez – Everton’s manager – tells him he is not for sale. He sees Stones as a long-term replacement for the ageing captain John Terry.

Everton have also been adamant in their stance over Stones, who has quickly developed into captain Phil Jagielka’s partner in central defence. They want him to continue that role next term.

As per talkSPORT, Kenwright told the Newcastle Chronicle: “We’ve worked really hard to stabilise this club and we’ve got a great squad, a young squad…  [Romelu] Lukaku and John Stones who has to be the best centre back in England.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea defender, Gary Cahill has reckoned Stones would not regret it if he joins Chelsea, urging the youngster to grab the chance of joining the Blues with both hands.

“When a top club comes calling, who you know will be firing on all fronts with competitions and medals, that’s ultimately what you want to be playing for. It’s hard to turn down of course,” Cahill said while speaking in Harlem where Chelsea launched a new community pitch.

When asked if Stones will be able to cope with the huge fee, he responded: “When you talk about being able to handle something like that, you look at their personality.

“From what I have seen when I have been away with him for England, he is a genuinely nice guy, a down to earth lad. There is nothing ‘big-time’ about him. So for me, I’m sure he will be able to cope with the fee.” (via Express).

Stones joined Everton from Barnsley in 2013, and has racked up 54 appearances for the Merseyside Blues. In those games, he made seven defensive errors which his potential new club may see as part of his learning process.