Chelsea Transfer News: 5th John Stones Bid Reportedly Prepared, Fresh Rumours

Chelsea haven't given up on their ambition to finally sign Everton centre-back John Stones. The struggling Stamford Bridge club will make a January offer for the Toffees star, their fifth bid, according to Mirror reporter Darren Lewis.

But the potential offer involves some caveats. Specifically, Blues manager Jose Mourinho will receive the backing of Chelsea to recruit Stones if he improves the club's 16th-placed standing in the Premier League, according to Lewis: "The club now intend to prove their support in the winter window if, as Mourinho has promised, he is able to get them back into top four contention by then from their current unfamiliar position of 16th."

Mourinho may also renew his interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Marquinhos. Lewis noted how "PSG turned down a late Chelsea bid of £30.6m bid for Marquinhos" late in the summer transfer window.

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That's nothing compared to how often the reigning Premier League champions were rebuffed in their attempts to land Stones. Everton knocked back a quartet of bids over the summer, as noted by Daily Express writer Tony Banks.

He claims Chelsea's new bid will be in the region of £36 million. Yet Lewis states £38 million wasn't sufficient the last time the west London club came calling for Stones.

Despite Everton standing firm, though, manager Roberto Martinez has also suggested Stones could leave Goodison Park if the right offer comes along, according to the Daily Mail's Dominic King.

What is clear is how Chelsea need help at the back. A lot of help. In a trend very uncharacteristic for a Mourinho-coached team, the Blues have surrendered 17 goals during eight league matches, per the league's official site.

At the root of the problems has been the deteriorating form of veteran skipper John Terry. In particular, the 34-year-old's relationship with Mourinho seems to have well and truly soured.

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In September, former Liverpool talisman Steven Gerrard claimed relations had broken down after Terry was benched for a UEFA Champions League match. Speaking on BT Sport (h/t Daily Mail's Martin Domin), Gerrard stated: "There's certainly a bit of friction behind the scenes because for me, you play John Terry week in, week out, he's your captain."

But Terry recently told the club's official site (h/t Sky Sports) he still has faith in his boss: "I have been here a long time and I have seen managers come and go and if anyone is going to get us out of this hole it is going to be Jose Mourinho."

No matter what Terry's situation is, Chelsea need greater pace, athleticism and assurance all along the back line. Gary Cahill is cumbersome, while young Frenchman Kurt Zouma remains raw and reckless.

Stones has quickly matured into a commanding presence at the heart of defence. He's quick, commanding in the air and very comfortable on the ball.

A healthy dose of all of those qualities would certainly boost Chelsea's chances of rescuing a dire season. Without a more miserly back four, a team otherwise blessed with ample attacking talent won't make the improvements Mourinho is targeting.