Chelsea FC are likely to miss out on John Stones, with the Everton FC defender preferring to move to Manchester United or Manchester City, as per reports in the Times.
Chelsea FC have already announced the departure of long serving inspirational captain John Terry, with his contract set to expire at the end of this season.
The Blues’ pursuit of Everton defender John Stones earlier in the season was well documented, and it is expected that with the announcement of Terry’s departure, they will go for Stones once again in the summer.
Stones prefers Manchester City or Manchester United over Chelsea FC
However, the Times recently reported the Evertonian’s preference for a move to one of the two Manchester outfits over a transfer to the London side.
The report states that the defender is keen to remain in the north-west of England, with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid also eyeing him alongside Chelsea FC.
The article states:
‘Manchester City and Manchester United head the queue to sign John Stones, with the England defender eager to remain in the northwest if he leaves Everton this summer.
Chelsea, who tried and failed to sign Stones last summer with four separate bids, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested, but while he will not discount a move south or abroad, the player’s strong preference is to stay close to his predominantly Yorkshire-based family.’
Do Chelsea FC need Stones?
Chelsea FC will have Kurt Zouma and the ageing Gary Cahill as the only two central defenders in their squad, with the ageing Branislav Ivanovic also capable of playing in the position. It is absolutely vital for them to replace captain John Terry for the long term.
With quality English central defenders few and far, it is imperative that the Blues sign the English international, especially given that they will need to fulfil the homegrown quota for the UEFA Champions League.
It will be interesting to see how Chelsea persuade the much wanted Everton man to join them, with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and cash-rich Manchester United chasing him.
