Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on John Stones and Paul Pogba Rumours

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is "keen on signing" Everton defender John Stones, although the Toffees are "reluctant to sell," according to Simon Jones of the MailOnline.

Jones believes Mourinho "rates Stones highly" and admires the player's versatility. The 20-year-old has developed into a confident centre-back alongside Everton captain Phil Jagielka but can also slot in at right-back when needed.

Stones' game is heightened by his composure on the ball. He's a clever distributor and has completed 89.9 per cent of his passes in the Premier League this season, recorded by WhoScored.com.

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The youngster is calm under pressure and is confident in his ability to play Everton away from trouble. He accurately executes 3.2 long balls per match and is able to influence the side's tempo with his forward-thinking style.

Mourinho loves a young, intelligent defender, as we've seen with the development of Kurt Zouma this season. While the Portuguese boss doesn't always provide youth with ample opportunities to excel, he is keen on giving the right products time to show their quality. Stones has physical maturing to do, but he already possesses a tremendous footballing brain.

He could develop into a replacement for John Terry, who has enjoyed an excellent season. The Chelsea captain is destined to lead his side's back line again next year after inking a contract extension in March, but Mourinho would be wise to continue considering long-term replacements for the 34-year-old. Stones would be an appropriate addition with that in mind.

Neymar: Barcelona Will Welcome Pogba

Chelsea are of one multiple clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid, linked with Juventus starlet Paul Pogba, reported by James Olley of the London Evening Standard.

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The former United youngster's potential transfer is set to dominate the summer headlines, and Barcelona forward Neymar has suggested he wants the midfielder to head to Camp Nou. Speaking at a recent PokerStars event, relayed by Sky Sports, Neymar stated that Pogba is "always welcome" to join Luis Enrique's side:

"

How he would fit, I don't know—you would have to ask the coach—but he is a great player and we would open the gates for him.

He is a great star. He is still young, even younger than me. He is a player with such quality, and that is always welcome.

"

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and James McNicholas recently discussed where Pogba is most likely to end up:

Barca players do have a habit of discussing potential acquisitions in the press, as seen when Xavi suggested he would sign Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla and City playmaker David Silva to replace Cesc Fabregas, reported by Ben Jefferson of the Express.

Although Barca's transfer ban stops them from bringing anyone in until January 2016, Neymar's comments suggest a major splurge is likely to take place once the restriction lifts.

Whichever club manages to broker a deal for Pogba will be getting one of the game's best youngsters. He's a Mourinho-type player—powerful, combative and can contribute anywhere on the pitch—but an arduous battle is likely to ensue for his signature.