Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Raise John Stones' Offer, Godfred Donsah Rumours

An increased offer for Everton defender John Stones could prove fruitless for Chelsea after the Toffees revealed their demands, but the Blues are reported to be closing in on another starlet in Godfred Donsah.

The Telegraph's Matt Law has reported Chelsea will submit a third offer worth £30 million for Stones, but the Merseysiders are seeking a massive £40 million offer if they're to part ways with the centre-back.

Christopher Lee/Getty Images

That's despite previous reports insisting Everton would be willing to cash in on their prodigy for £34 million, according to Law, with the asking price having seemingly risen by a substantial amount.

The Daily Mail's Joe Strange feels Stones offers superb value even at that amount, but the question is whether the Chelsea hierarchy agree and would be willing to invest such a staggering amount:

Chelsea captain John Terry was substituted at half-time during Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, a move the Guardian's Dominic Fifield has interpreted as a message to the Blues' board that reinforcements are needed.

The drubbing at the Etihad Stadium also means Chelsea have made their worst start to a season in 17 years, drawing 2-2 at home against Swansea City in their campaign opener a week earlier.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Manager Jose Mourinho has another young asset at his disposal in Kurt Zouma, but the former Saint-Etienne talisman is a raw resource who needs refining before he's dubbed ready for a regular starting place.

On the other hand, Stones is already showing his potential as a leader at Goodison Park and was heroic for Roberto Martinez's side en route to their 3-0 win over Southampton last Saturday, per Squawka:

With one England stalwart gradually simmering among their ranks in Terry, it's another potential Three Lions staple that could soon make his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Not for the first time in recent years, Everton are prepared to barter over the services of their star, but only time will tell if Chelsea match the Toffees' massive valuation.

Chelsea Eyeing Midfield Starlet Donsah

MICHAEL BRADLEY/Getty Images

As if Chelsea's midfield didn't look crowded enough already, the West Londoners are looking to cut a deal for Cagliari anchorman Donsah.

That's according to Bruce Archer of the Daily Express, who likens the player to former Stamford Bridge favourite Michael Essien and alleges a £10 million deal is in the pipeline.

Mourinho currently has Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic at his disposal in central midfield, while the likes of Ramires and Oscar also offer options in the middle.

Speaking to Italian website FirenzeViola.it, Donsah's agent Oliver Arthur proclaimed Juventus are currently in the lead to sign his client, via Football Italia:

"

The player has a lot of admirers. We’re talking about a renewal with Cagliari, but our intention is to leave Sardinia. There are three or four teams interested in Italy.

Juventus are definitely in pole, as we’ve had contact with them for months. Then there’s [Pantaleo] Corvino’s Bologna, and also Fiorentina with whom we’ve been in contact for a few weeks through an intermediary. Fiorentina is definitely an option, but, I repeat, not the only one. Now let’s see what will happen with Cagliari, we’ll try and find the best solution over the next 20 days.

"

From those comments, it certainly appears the Ghanaian is open to the option of leaving Cagliari this summer in the hopes that he can make a step up in his surroundings.

Serie A outfit Bologna will attempt to keep the 19-year-old in Italy, though, according to GianlucaDiMarzio.com translator David Amoyal:

Donsah made 21 Serie A appearances last season, 13 of which were as part of Cagliari's starting XI, in what proved to be something of a breakout campaign.

The jury is still out on just what Donsah would offer Chelsea now or in the long term, but the reigning Premier League champions will surely be seen as a tempting option if their interested proves genuine.