Chelsea close to £35m deal to sign Stones from Everton, Sun says
A round-up of the latest transfer speculation involving Chelsea and QPR…
Chelsea are close to clinching a deal to sign John Stones from Everton, The Sun says.
The Blues are widely reported to have made another offer to Everton for the England defender.
And The Sun suggests a ‘huge U-turn’ by the Merseyside club, who have said he is not for sale, means Chelsea are poised to sign Stones, 21, in a £35m deal.
The Daily Telegraph, on the other hand, reports that Chelsea have raised their offer to £30m but face having to pay up to £40m in order to get their man.
Again there is speculation, this time by the Daily Star, that Everton have lined up Swansea’s Ashley Williams as a potential replacement for Stones.
The Star also says Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has sanctioned a bid of up to £35m for Stones and £21m for Atletico Madrid winger Antoine Griezman.
And the Daily Express claims Chelsea officials are travelling to Italy to secure the signing of Godfred Donsah from Cagliari.
Ghanaian midfielder Donsah, 19, has been compared to former Chelsea star Michael Essien and is said to be valued at £10m.
Meanwhile, speculation continues over the future of Charlie Austin, with Newcastle now reported to have ended their apparent interest in the QPR striker.
The north-east media have continually insisted that Magpies boss Steve McClaren has been pursuing a deal to sign Austin, but the Newcastle Chronicle now suggests the club are looking elsewhere.
West Ham have again being linked with Austin, this time by the Evening Standard, which claims he is only interested in a move to a London club, that he is ready to join the Hammers, and that Spurs are also interested.
Everton have also been linked with the 26-year-old, whose current contract expires at the end of the season.
The Austin situation as it stands:
• Rangers want £15m
• Leicester had an offer rejected last month
• Crystal Palace have shown some interest but not at QPR’s asking price
• West London Sport also revealed last month that QPR were considering making Austin an offer of a new deal if he stays, fearing they could lose him on a Bosman free transfer if he sees out the remainder of his contract
• Director of football Les Ferdinand later confirmed to West London Sport that the club were considering making Austin another offer
• Ferdinand recently reiterated this to the Evening Standard
• Ferdinand has also denied reports of an approach from Newcastle
• Everton have been monitoring Austin since QPR were last in the Championship
• Tottenham have shown no interest
