Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says the transfer window should be closed once the competition begins, however, he has refused to rule out a move for Everton defender John Stones, who is also a reported target of Manchester United.
The Blues have had two bids rejected for the young English defender, with the latest being in the region of £26m. Everton are reluctant to let go one of their prized assets, but the Merseyside club could be helpless in preventing him stay at the club if Chelsea improve their bid to £30m.
Manchester United are also reportedly in the race to sign him, but the Red Devils have yet to lodge any formal offer for Stones.
Mourinho, when asked about Chelsea’s interest in Stones, said as quoted by The Guardian: “What happens happens, but I won’t lose any time thinking about the transfer window.”
“For me the transfer window is over. I don’t like the transfer window open when the competition starts. I know it is open, I know my club can buy or sell, but I don’t like that feeling. As a coach I am thinking about my players, my squad, and I don’t want to think about transfers. Clubs and players need quiet time and respect when the competition starts.”
Chelsea have had a relatively quite summer but the Premier League champions have enough firepower in them to retain the title. Mourinho is also concerned with the fitness of Diego Costa, who is likely to miss the opening fixture.
Left back is one position where Mourinho would be desperately looking to add a new player, having allowed Filipe Luis to return back to his old club, Atletico Madrid. If the reports are to be believed, the Blues have already agreed a personal deal with Augsburg defender Abdul Rahman Baba, and are hoping to secure his transfer move at the earliest.
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