Everton are expecting a third bid from Chelsea for their defender John Stones, according to reports from The Guardian.
Chelsea have had two earlier bids – £20m and £26m – rejected for Stones. Everton remain adamant that the England international will not be sold, while Roberto Martinez is positive of keeping the 21-year-old at the Merseyside club.
The Guardian believes that Everton’s resolve will be tested this week, with Chelsea expected to increase the offer up to £30m for Stones, who is seen by the Chelsea camp as a long term replacement of skipper John Terry.
Manchester United are also reportedly interested in Stones. Club legend Rio Ferdinand in a recent interview has urged his former club to sign Stones at the earliest ahead of Chelsea.
Martinez has refused to comment on whether Stones wants to move Stamford Bridge, but he maintains the club are not open to negotiations over a transfer.
Everton drew 2-2 in the opening Barclays Premier League match against Watford. Martinez is looking to bolster his squad before the transfer deadline, and the Spaniard is looking to add a central defender, a creative no 10 and a striker to his squad.
The Toffees are likely to miss out on Xherdan Shaqiri. The Inter Milan winger has been offered a season-long loan deal, but it seems the Swiss star could join Stoke City instead. He was spotted at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday, where he attended Stoke’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League.
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