Chelsea and Manchester United have both been linked hugely with the highly rated center back and Chelsea have also seen two bids rejected from the League champions Chelsea believed to be worth £20 million and £26 million.
Everton are growing increasingly concerned that they will fail to stop John Stones joining Chelsea, despite manager Roberto Martinez’s insistence that the central defender is not for sale.
Chelsea are preparing a third bid of around £30 million for Stones, despite Martinez repeating his desire to keep the 21-year-old at Goodison Park.
While Martinez is demonstrating a brave impression, Everton insiders fear that the club will ultimately be forced to let Stones move to Stamford Bridge once Chelsea go over the £30 million mark.
Everton are already closing in on one senior central defender to join the club, with Manchester United’s Jonny Evans, Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk and Swansea City’s Ashley Williams all among their targets.
It is also understood that Everton are looking at younger options, as they attempt to plan for the possibility of Stones leaving.
As revealed by Telegraph Sport, talks are thought to have been held between Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck and his Everton counterpart Bill Kenwright about avoiding any more public spats over the matter.
Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged his former club to sign the English international and believes moving to Old Trafford would be best for the young man.
Reports claim that Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is also preparing a bid for Stones. If both the giants bid for the defender, it will be interesting to see where Stones moves.