Everton's John Stones (L) challenges Arsenal's Lukas Podolski during their English Premier League soccer match. (Photo : Reuters)
Premier League champions Chelsea FC are keen on acquiring England international John Stones from fellow English club Everton FC as it increased its bid for the 21-year-old defender to £26 million, as per ESPN.
The Blues initial bid of £20 million was declined by the Goodison Park residents, with Everton manager Roberto Martínez reportedly frustrated about how Chelsea coach José Mourinho made the offer public.
Mourinho insisted that he was just saying that his team wanted Stones because he is a good player. And since it is the offseason transfer window, anything said in public that have not yet formalized can all be considered as mere speculations.
It was unclear, though, why Martínez was upset of the Chelsea boss' remarks as he can always deny any rumor.
"I would advise Roberto Martinez to do the same thing I do. If I don't want to accept any offer, I say 'I don't accept any offer.' He can make it very, very easy," said Mourinho.
Rumors arose that Martínez may be worried about the response of Stones upon hearing the news as the Barnsley native is reportedly also interested in joining the English champions next season, as reported by The Independent.
The report said that Stones would not force anything or submit a transfer request, but he is allegedly looking forward to the two clubs finalizing an agreement as soon as possible.
Even with the increased bid, the Toffees insist that their young central defender is not for sale and that they are "not a selling club."
Mourinho is reportedly planning to make Stones the successor of Chelsea captain John Terry and believes that he could be a perfect fit with Frenchman Kurt Zouma at the team's back end.
