Cascarino compares Chelsea’s pursuit of Stones to Manchester United’s signing of Wayne Rooney 11 years ago.
Former Chelsea midfielder Tony Cascarino believes his old club will eventually land John Stones from Everton having reportedly had two bids rejected for the defender.
Cascarino told TalkSport that it’s a bit like when Manchester United made their move for Wayne Rooney back in 2004 and eventually got their man.
He said: “It’s just like when Man United pursued Wayne Rooney from Everton years ago.
“He was the best striker available, United hunted him down, and they eventually got him. It’s the same case with John Stones.
“He is the most attractive defender around, he has excelled for Everton.
“This pursuit will continue and it is going to be very difficult [for Everton to keep him].”
It is clear though, that Everton are not prepared to sell one of their best players on the cheap, and will hold out for as much as they can get as Roberto Martinez has already expressed his reluctance to allow the 21-year-old to leave Goodison Park.
Whenever Stones featured for the Toffees last season he was the outstanding defender, and it was of little surprise that Everton looked so much better as a unit whenever he was in the side – and it’s not hard to see why Jose Mourinho would admire the England international.
When Rooney left for Old Trafford, he was the most expensive teenager and Everton got a decent fee for him as a result, but so far there has been little indication from Stones suggesting he wants to leave Goodison. However, the lure of the Champions League and consistently challenging for honours may be too great at the end of the day if both clubs can come to an agreement.
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