Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on John Stones, Lionel Messi Rumours Emerge

Everton have reportedly opened negotiations with their defender John Stones over a new deal with the club despite the strong summer interest from Chelsea.

According to David Maddock of the Daily Mirror, the Toffees have “made the first move” when it comes to renegotiating the youngster’s terms, despite having three-and-a-half years left on his current contract. As reported by Dominic King of the Daily Mail, Everton rejected four bids for the England international last summer from Chelsea.

Maddock elaborated what various sides’ stances are as Everton begin discussions over an extension:

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Boss Roberto Martinez is still determined to ensure that the centre-half remains at the heart of his team beyond the January transfer window, and Everton have followed that up by opening talks with his advisors. …

With Chelsea still lurking in the wings—and likely to make another offer in January, after having a £30m bid turned down before the summer window closed—Stones will want an escape clause inserted in any new deal.

That could hold up talks, but Everton are determined to find a solution that will reward the centre-half, and persuade him to stay at Goodison for several more seasons.

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James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images

Keeping Stones at the club this summer was a bold play on Everton’s part. Although both Chelsea and the player were intent on a move happening, the Toffees dug their heels in and refused to cash in on their prized asset. In the main, they’ve been rewarded with some outstanding displays from the youngster.

By contrast, Chelsea, at least up until their last two matches, have really struggled to prevent goals being leaked, as we can see courtesy of Squawka Football:

Despite his transfer request, there’s little ill-feeling towards Stones at Everton and that’s something that will surely be in the club’s favour as they seek to tie him down to a new long-term contract. Talk of a release clause would make little sense, though, especially given he still has a lot of time to run on his current deal and his value is only likely to inflate during the next couple of years.

If Chelsea were unable to convince Everton to cash in during the summer, it’s unlikely they will do midseason. At the moment, a new contract for Stones, allowing him to concentrate on his football at Goodison Park, is surely the most sensible course of action and the best way to expedite this fine young player’s development.

Lionel Messi Ready to Leave Barcelona?

Paul White/Associated Press

According to the Sun (h/t the Daily Mirror) Barcelona legend Lionel Messi is keen on a move away from Catalonia, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all reportedly looking at bringing him to the Premier League.

It’s claimed in the piece that “all three clubs have made contact with Messi's representatives, with one of the trio making contact on two occasions in the last week.” The piece also suggested there are players currently plying their trade in English football’s top flight who are friends with the 28-year-old that have tried to convince him to join.

Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guillem Balague confirmed there is definitely substance to this story, although there's a long way to go before a move materialises yet:

Speaking with Balague for Yahoo Sport recently, the Barcelona star refused to give a thorough answer when quizzed on whether or not he’d like to play abroad: “I don’t want to look too far ahead. I live for the moment, and at this moment, I am with Barcelona in the Spanish League where I have made my living and where I live very well.”

Paul White/Associated Press

Needless to say, any of the sides cited would be lucky to have a player of Messi’s remarkable quality. As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, the Barcelona No. 10 remains one of the world’s finest players:

For Chelsea, getting Messi would be a major coup. Should he become available, being located in London could give the Blues the edge over the two Manchester clubs.

However, it’s tough to foresee Messi leaving Barcelona, even if, as suggested by the aforementioned piece, he’s getting a little frustrated with the ongoing investigation into his tax activity. It’d take a massive, massive bid to prise him away from the Camp Nou, and, even then, you can’t imagine the Blaugrana would be too keen to part with the most talented player of this generation.