Chelsea Transfer News: Latest John Stones Rumours, Alexandre Pato Discusses Move

Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their long-term pursuit of Everton centre-back John Stones, as the Englishman would reportedly prefer to stay in the north of England were he to move away from Goodison Park.

The Blues pursued Stones last summer and had numerous bids rejected by Everton, the last of which was a massive £38 million offer, per Elliott Bretland and Charlie Skillen of MailOnline.

Chelsea look set to return for the 21-year-old in the summer, but Stones has now reportedly told various sources that he would prefer to stay in the north-west than move to London, per the Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman.

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As a result, the report indicates Manchester City and Manchester United are now the front-runners to sign Stones, with incoming Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola said to be an admirer.

Chelsea will surely fight tooth and nail to beat off competition from City and United, though, as they desperately need added quality at the back.

Their hugely disappointing 2015-16 league campaign has been remarkable for the amount of goals Chelsea's previously impenetrable defence have conceded—34 in 23 matches.

Furthermore, it was recently revealed Blues stalwart John Terry will be departing the west London club at the end of the season, leaving a gaping hole in the centre-back department.

Though he has had his critics at times this season, Stones would surely be the perfect long-term replacement for Terry.

He has proved he has what it takes to become a world-class defender, per former England and Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle:

Wish people would get off John Stones back can't they see he's going to be the Best Defender England have had since Bobby Moore he's Class

Source:   bleacherreport