Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Gary Cahill thinks John Stones is ready for Chelsea challenge

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill believes Everton's John Stones would struggle to turn down an offer to join him at Stamford Bridge, as the Premier League champions continue to push for a deal to sign the 21-year-old centre-back.

Reports suggest that Chelsea had an initial £20 million bid for Stones rejected by Everton, with Blues boss Jose Mourinho speaking openly about his eagerness to sign the player in recent days.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Cahill suggested the lure of moving to club like Chelsea would tempt any young player, as he gave his backing to the move to sign Stones.

"In terms of ambition, if you're a young player in the game, have played in the Premier League like he did a lot last year, and a big club come calling, it's very difficult to turn down because you want to achieve the most you can in the short period you have in your career as a professional footballer," Cahill said.

"When a top club come 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 went on to suggest Stones is ready to make the step up to Champions League football at Chelsea, after he worked with him on the training ground with the England squad in recent months.

"When you talk about being able to handle something like that [a big-money move], you look at their personality," he added. "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 if it happens.

"Plus, with the right support around him, like from the more experienced players in the Chelsea squad, and his family, I'm sure he'll be fine.

"He is a top young player. Of course he is still young and is still learning but in terms of potential, he is a fantastic player."

Mourinho has hinted that Chelsea will make a further offer to Everton in a bid to sign Stones, amid reports in several newspapers that the player is keen to make the switch to west London.

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