Chelsea 'prepare new offer for John Stones'

John Stones in action during the game between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur on January 3, 2016
© Getty Images
Chelsea will reportedly return to Everton with an improved cash-plus-player offer for the services of young defender John Stones.

Chelsea are reportedly preparing a new cash-plus-player offer to Everton to secure the services of John Stones this summer.

The Blues have been in hot pursuit of the 21-year-old defender for some time and submitted several bids in the last two transfer windows - including a top offer of £30m - but the Toffees held firm and refused to sell.

According to The Mirror, Chelsea are hopeful of finally getting their man this summer and will make Everton an improved cash offer as well as the loan services of one of their young players for next season.

Stones is also of interest to big-spending Manchester City, who are preparing for a summer spree under incoming manager Pep Guardiola.

La Liga champions Barcelona were also in the race for Stones but have reportedly withdrawn their interest after being put off by his "temperament".

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1Leicester CityLeicester31199354312366
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs311710456243261
3Arsenal30167748301855
4Manchester CityMan City30156952322051
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham301311647351250
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd30148838271150
7Southampton31138104132947
8Stoke CityStoke31137113437-346
9Liverpool2912894540544
10Chelsea30101194541441
11West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom30109113037-739
12Everton29911951411038
13Bournemouth31108133850-1238
14Watford30107133032-237
15Swansea CitySwansea3199133140-936
16Crystal Palace3096153240-833
17Norwich CityNorwich3177173254-2228
18Sunderland3068163655-1926
19Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3067172955-2625
20Aston Villa3137212258-3616