Chelsea To Table Fresh Defender Offer But Man Utd Also Make Contact With Agents

With the summer transfer window in full swing, managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads ahead of next season so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, the race for John Stones hots-up….

Chelsea are ready to table a third offer for John Stones but Manchester United have also made contact with the player’s agents to express their interest in signing the Everton defender this summer, according to the Mirror. 

Stones has emerged as one of the best young talents in English football since joining Everton from Barnsley in 2013 and he’s become one of the most sought-after players in the transfer window with several top clubs seemingly vying for his signature.

After seeing an opening £20m offer rejected, the Guardian claim that Chelsea’s latest £26m bid was rejected by the Toffees earlier this week with Roberto Martinez’s side understood to be holding out for at least £30m.

The Mirror are reporting today that Chelsea are set to return with a third offer but could face competition from Manchester City with Manuel Pellegrini ready to enter the bidding for the talented 21-year-old.

However, it looks like the duo will will face even stiffer competition as the Guardian claim that Manchester United have now made contract with intermediary agents to express their interest in signing the centre-back this summer.

Louis van Gaal has been strongly tipped to bring in another defensive option and with the Dutchman so far frustrated in his attempts to land his key targets, it appears he’s now ready to turn his attention to Stones.

The Guardian say that no formal offer has gone in as yet, but United could still have a major say in where Stones ends up this summer if he does eventually leave Goodison Park.

I’ve always said he looks to be the ideal long-term replacement for John Terry at Stamford Bridge but the interest from United could be a tempting prospect for the youngster.

Stones is unlikely to become a first team regular at Chelsea for at least another season but I could see van Gaal throwing him straight into the thick of things at United and possibly building his new-look defence around the England international.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

Chelsea are arguably still in the driving seat to secure a deal but if playing regularly this coming campaign is vital to Stones, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the defender heading to Old Trafford, as long as United are prepared to match whatever Chelsea put on the table.