Chelsea Transfer News: Jose Mourinho Coy on Baba Rahman and Latest Blues Rumours

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was in typically enigmatic spirits when quizzed about the Blues' alleged interest in Augsburg left-back Abdul Baba Rahman and Everton defender John Stones during a pre-match press conference on Friday.

Asked about the prospect of Stones or Baba Rahman moving to west London, Mourinho gave a diversionary answer, according to ESPN's Miguel Delaney:

A deal for Baba Rahman is believed to be tied up, according to German newspaper Bild, per Daniel Busch of WhoScored.com:

Mourinho's Premier League champions face FA Cup holders Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday as they look to claim the 2015 Community Shield before launching a domestic title defence.

Baba Rahman stands out as a more necessary measure than Stones following Filipe Luis' return to Atletico Madrid, although it's unclear as to whether he would rank as first choice should he arrive.

Cesar Azpilicueta is Mourinho's top left-back at present, and despite being naturally right-footed, the Spaniard has coped tremendously in his transition to the other side of the back four.

Furthermore, Mourinho recently highlighted the former Marseille man as "the best left-back in the Premier League" following a pre-season defeat to New York Red Bulls, per football writer Samuel Jay C:

Rudd went on to note that Baba Rahman will earn just £27,000 a week if he signs the proposed five-year deal in west London, a figure that pales in comparison to some of the salaries of his potential Chelsea team-mates.

Baba Rahman created four assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season as Augsburg made a surprising climb to fifth place, with their full-back star earning rave reviews in the process.

Another figure currently causing waves is rising Three Lions starlet Stones, whom Mourinho was no more willing to discuss.

As Simon Jones of the Daily Mail noted, Chelsea recently saw a second bid worth £26 million rejected, but are prepared to go back in with a £30 million offer. Sky Sports reports the Toffees aren't willing to sell:

Jones has detailed that Manchester United and Manchester City are also interested in Stones, but both have yet to make their initial approach for his services.

The England international will most likely be seen as a long-term successor to John Terry—who signed another one-year contract extension at Chelsea earlier this year, which will expire in 2016.

Clint Hughes/Associated Press

Behind first-choice centre-backs Terry and Gary Cahill sits Kurt Zouma, another young defensive talent who has looked impressive in pre-season.

The Mirror's John Cross brings up a familiar question, asking whether Stones is ready for a stage like Stamford Bridge just yet, or if he should remain at Everton, where he's more likely to play first-team football:

Mourinho's comment—or lack thereof—on the situation doesn't tell us a lot regarding the Stones hunt, but the tactician looks likely to offer his usual entertainment value in the coming Premier League season.

With a month remaining in the summer transfer window, Chelsea still have time to make good on their interest, but convincing the Toffees to sell their most prized possessions is never an easy task.