Chelsea keen on John Stones, Marquinhos?

Chelsea have reportedly made plans to bolster their defensive options by signing John Stones and Marquinhos next summer.

The Blues' defence has come under scrutiny so far this season as the Premier League champions sit 16th in the table after winning just eight points from a possible 24.

Manager Jose Mourinho missed out on Everton youngster Stones after the Toffees rejected up to four bids for the 21-year-old, the last of which being a reported £38m.

Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos - also 21 - was another option but Chelsea's £30m offer was not enough to prise him away from the French capital.

Nevertheless, Mourinho remains keen and the Portuguese coach will return next summer for both of them, regardless of how the Londoners finish this campaign, according to The Mirror.

Stones is contracted to the Goodison Park club until 2019, while the Brazilian also has four years to run on his deal at Parc des Princes.