Chelsea Transfer News: Wesley Sneijder Fee Revealed, Latest John Stones Rumours

Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Sneijder, long linked with a move to Manchester United, could sign for Chelsea in January, with reports suggesting the Blues are set to meet the midfielder’s £14 million release clause.

That’s according to Fanatik (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star), which claimed Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is keen to link up with Sneijder once again, the pair having enjoyed a prosperous spell together at Inter Milan. As noted by Williams, United have regularly been cited as suitors for the 31-year-old.

Now plying his trade in the Super Lig, there’s no denying Sneijder still has the quality to make an impression at the top level:

Indeed, while £14 million may seem a lot for a player who is past his peak, Sneijder may well be exactly the kind of player Chelsea need.

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The Blues have looked devoid of direction, ingenuity and experience in their recent Premier League outings, slumping to 16th position in the table after a disastrous start. Sneijder, a player Mourinho knows he can trust, would assist in lifting standards around Stamford Bridge and adding a dash of composure to what have been some frenetic performances this season.

As we can see here, courtesy of OptaCan, despite his advancing years, the influence of Sneijder seems to be growing:

Chelsea have plenty of players who can operate in a similar position to Sneijder. Oscar, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard are all comfortable as a No. 10, and a lot of Blues supporters would like to see Mourinho give them a chance of playing their way back into form. A fee of £14 million for the Dutchman is a little steep too.

Nevertheless, if Sneijder were to join, he could have a settling influence on this group of players and provide the kind of attacking spark Chelsea have lacked in the opening weeks of what has been a dreary 2015-16.

John Stones Chances Slim for Blues

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Chelsea’s chances of landing John Stones from Everton seem to be decreasing, with reports suggesting neither the player nor the Toffees are keen on a January transfer.

Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror wrote Stones has no intention of disrupting what has been a strong season at the midpoint by making a transfer, despite stating his desire to leave Everton for the Blues in the summer window. In addition, according to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, Barcelona and Manchester United are keeping tabs on the young defender now too.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has also completely ruled out the prospect of Stones leaving the club in January, per Tony Barrett of the Times:

Despite a summer of unrelenting transfer speculation, Stones has been superb for Everton this term. As noted by Law, he’s starting to replicate his excellent form on the international stage too:

For Chelsea, not getting Stones into the squad during the summer was a major blow. The defensive side of this team, usually so reliable, has been disastrous, and the youngster's authoritative, assured influence at the back would have helped make a difference in some games when the Blues have been ragged.

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Stones seems to have a mature head on young shoulders, and the decision not to move midseason would be a wise one. He’s blossoming into an outstanding player at Everton, and should Barcelona preserve an interest in his services up until the summer months, he may well earn himself a dream move to one of the world’s biggest football clubs.