Chelsea are readying a British transfer record £34m for Everton defender John Stones, according to The Daily Express.
The Blues have already had an offer of £20m rejected by Roberto Martinez’s side, but they are now reportedly prepared to make Stones the most expensive defender in British football – shattering the £30m Manchester United paid for Rio Ferdinand 13 years ago.
Stones, 21, has been earmarked as John Terry’s long-term replacement at Stamford Bridge, but Everton insist the England international is not for sale.
The former Barnsley centre back made 23 appearances in the Premier League last season and of players aged 21 or under, only three players gained a better WhoScored rating that Stones (7.17) in England's top-flight
For more stats on John Stones, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
Why Thomas Muller's Characteristics instead of Stones Characteristics?