Football
Mike Whalley 9y

Chelsea see £30 million John Stones bid turned down by Everton - sources

Everton have rejected a £30 million bid from Chelsea for centre-back John Stones, sources have told ESPN FC.

Stones, 21, is a summer transfer target for Chelsea who are looking to bolster their defensive options.

In July, Everton rejected a second Blues bid of £26m for Stones, and this week a third offer has been turned down.

Jose Mourinho substituted captain John Terry at half-time of Chelsea's 3-0 loss at Manchester City on Sunday, with Kurt Zouma lining up alongside Gary Cahill in his place.

Last week, club sources told ESPN FC that Manchester United are considering a move to derail Chelsea's potential purchase of Stones.

The England international made 23 Premier League appearances for Everton last season, scoring once.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez told the club's official website last week: "He's a huge player for us. We're really looking forward to seeing the best of John over the next few seasons, not just the next few weeks.

"I'll never be upset about people asking about our players. Those are compliments; it means the players are performing well -- but nothing else. I've said before; the player's not for sale and that's the end of it."

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