Off To Stamford Bridge? Chelsea To FINALLY Capture John Stones In January

The Blues were relentlessly in pursuit of John Stones throughout the transfer window, and if there was no end in the transfer windows, they probably would not have stopped.

Chelsea are now set to return to Everton in the new year when the transfer window will be re-opened to make a fifth attempt to sign Stones, according to the Mirror.

Stones was a subject of four bids from Chelsea which were rejected by the Toffees – with boss Roberto Martinez and chairman Bill Kenwright both maintaining a resolute stance that the England international defender will not be sold.

Jose Mourinho will now try again to sign Stones – who he sees as captain John Terry’s long-term heir. As per the Mirror, Stones will have three years left on his contract at the end of this season and Chelsea will have to bid around £40m to get the former Barnsley ace. Everton signed Stones in 2013 for £3m and the Englishman has gone on to become a full-time England international and also a regular at the heart of the Toffees’ defence.

Chelsea signed Papy Djilobodji in place of Stones on deadline day, but it is understood the Senegalese defender is just for the short term, as he was not included in the Blues’ Champions League squad this season.

Mourinho’s defence has leaked in 9 goals already the season and have already lost twice in the league, leaving their title defence hanging up in the air, and the Portuguese boss believes Stones is the one who can help shore up the Blues’ leaky defence.