Chelsea Set To Pay £40 for Everton Defender John Stone

Jose Mourinho’s decision to substitute John Terry during defeat to Man City highlights his desire to land John Stones, who will cost £40 million

Chelsea have responded to their defeat to Manchester City by tabling a new £30 million offer for John Stones, but now face having to pay up to £40m to land the central defender.

Jose Mourinho’s decision to substitute John Terry at Eastlands highlighted his desire to land Stones, although the Chelsea manager had already delivered a warning to his captain over his form after the opening Premier League draw with Swansea City.

Everton will turn down Chelsea’s third bid for Stones and are also now determined to hold out for even more than the £34m it was previously thought could land the 21-year-old.

Mourinho’s need for new defenders was evident at Eastlands, as has been his desperation for owner Roman Abramovich to pay what it takes to land Stones.

Stones will almost certainly become the most expensive defender in British history if he completes a move to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window shuts, comfortably eclipsing the £31.9m Manchester City paid for Eliaquim Mangala last year.

Even at £40m, Mourinho is confident it will be money well spent for Stones as he believes the defender can make an immediate impact in his team and go on to be a key player for the next 10 years.