Chelsea prepared to offer over £30m for Everton defender John Stones?

Chelsea could be prepared to pay over £30m for Everton defender John Stones, according to a report in the press.

Some sections of the media have suggested that the Toffees recently rejected a £20m offer for the centre-back in an attempt to ward off Chelsea, but The Express has stated that the Blues may not mind stumping up more than what Manchester United paid for Rio Ferdinand back in 2002.

The same report suggests that Everton and Chelsea currently find themselves on good transfer terms, given recent successful deals including the sale of Romelu Lukaku and a loan agreement for Christian Atsu.

Stones has already made clear that he is currently "very happy" at Goodison Park despite interest from the Premier League champions.