Chelsea Transfer News: Blues 'Confident' over John Stones Amid United Rumours

Chelsea are still confident that they can sign Everton centre-back John Stones despite recent reports that Manchester United are planning to hijack the deal.

ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney reports that the Red Devils are looking to tempt Everton by using Jonny Evans in a player-plus-cash deal for Stones. But Chelsea sources are apparently still "confident they can eventually secure a deal" for the England international. 

Toffees boss Roberto Martinez is insistent that Stones is not for sale despite the ongoing rumours of Chelsea's interest, per the Times' Tony Barrett: "I'll never be upset at people asking about our players. Those are compliments but he's not for sale."

Everton have already turned down two offers for the 21-year-old defender, the latest of which was worth £26 million, per the Guardian's David Hynter.

The Blues are again set to be rebuffed with their next offer, now reportedly worth £30 million, per MailOnline's Simon Jones.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

According to Dean Jones in the Mirror, the Goodison Park hierarchy value Stones at £34 million and will not accept a penny less, especially as Chelsea can undoubtedly afford to stump up the cash.

The Toffees seemingly are on solid ground in their negotiating position, as not only is Stones a highly rated English talent, but Chelsea are desperate to take him to Stamford Bridge as the heir apparent to John Terry, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

United's reported proposal may pique interest at Everton, as they would receive a ready-made replacement for Stones in the shape of the experienced Evans.

Should Everton eventually sell Stones to Chelsea, they will be left very short in the centre of defence and scrabbling around for reinforcements with the transfer window drawing to a close.

However, Chelsea seem to be in the driving seat, and if they meet Everton's asking price, they will likely get their man in the end.

Although Stones is unlikely to slip straight into the first team at Stamford Bridge should he make the move, he would be an excellent buy, as he looks to have all the attributes to be a stalwart of the Chelsea defence for years to come.

Furthermore, he would add necessary depth to a Blues defence that is overreliant on the continued fitness and excellence of 34-year-old Terry.

United may be threatening, but Chelsea are clearly eager to snap Stones up, and they will surely shell out the necessary £34 million in the end.