Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho uncertain over second bid for Everton defender John Stones
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has indicated that the club will not make a second bid for Everton and England defender John Stones.
Toffees boss Roberto Martinez appeared to confirm that an offer, reportedly of £20m ($31.2m) according to The Daily Mail, for the 21-year-old Stones had been rejected by the Merseyside club.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Chelsea are planning a follow-up offer for £34m for Stones, but Mourinho has suggested that he will not continue the pursuit.
"You are speaking with the manager of the best team in England," he said after Chelsea's 4-2 pre-season defeat to New York Red Bulls, according to Sky Sports. "We don't have fragilities. We are a top team, we have top players.
"We started training six days ago, we did 11 training sessions in six days and we don't need other players. We trust these players, these players are good. In ten times against the Red Bulls we win nine but I am not worried."
A Chelsea spokesman added during the same media briefing: "We are not going to be giving a running commentary on [the John Stones interest]."
Captain John Terry, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma make up Chelsea's centre-back options ahead of the new season, with right-back Branislav Ivanovic able to slot in if required.
Terry will turn 35 before the end of the 2015-16 season and despite enjoying one of his best campaigns in a Chelsea shirt last year as the club romped to the Premier League title, there are concerns over his longevity.
Elsewhere, Mourinho remains committed to signing a replacement for Brazil international Filipe Luis after the player has left the club.
Atletico Madrid have confirmed negotiations have begun with Luis over a move this summer and the Chelsea boss says Luis' departure has been completed, as he eyes an additional full-back.
"We sold Filipe," he added. "Yes [we need a replacement]. We have the best left-back in England; Azpilicueta."
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.