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

Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Paul Pogba after Juventus admitted they cannot rival his suitors' spending power.

According to the Telegraph, Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta told Quotidiano Sportivo: 

"

Pogba's future? In modern football the decision of the player is paramount, like with [Carlos] Tevez.

It's obvious that we would like to keep him until he stops playing.

However, we can't afford to do anything crazy in terms of salaries and some clubs can guarantee twice as much as us.

"

The report indicates the Blues could renew their interest in the Frenchman in light of the news.

Though Chelsea boast a number of exceptional players throughout midfield thanks to the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic and Eden Hazard, they lack strength in depth with the somewhat uninspiring Ramires the best they can call on beyond their starters.

Pogba's addition would provide the Blues with another genuine superstar and allow them to rotate more and offer flexibility with formations, should boss Jose Mourinho opt to start the 22-year-old alongside Fabregas and Matic in central midfield.

As WhoScored.com reports, the midfielder is an outstanding dribbler and a significant goal threat from distance:

However, according to Marc Williams of the Daily Star, "Mourinho has said that there will be no more transfer business from his club this summer, seemingly shutting the door on a £30 million move for Everton's John Stones" among other deals.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Per Williams' report, the Portuguese told talkSPORT's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast:

"

For me the transfer window is over. I don't like the transfer window open when the competition starts.

I know it is open, I know my club can buy or sell, but I don't like that feeling. As a coach I am thinking about my players, my squad, and I don't want to think about transfers.

"

However, while Mourinho may not like the idea of the transfer window remaining open beyond the start of the season, it seems unlikely he is content to leave his squad unchanged between now and September 1.

As the Guardian's Barney Ronay notes, Chelsea's squad struggled toward the back end of last season as injuries and fatigue crept in due to their lack of depth.

The Special One is infamous for his mind games and outlandish statements, so his comments should often be taken with a healthy pinch of salt.

Pogba's arrival would be the most sensational switch of the summer, but despite Marotta's admission, it seems likely the Frenchman will remain in Turin for at least another season, particularly after the sale of Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo's departure for New York City.

A signing of Stones' calibre, however, is almost certainly on the cards.

Expect Chelsea to land at least one more player who can provide cover for the first team as well as play a key role in their cup campaigns before the window shuts.