John Stones to Chelsea: Move to sign Everton defender postponed until the summer

Chelsea have postponed making another bid for John Stones until the summer.

Standard Sport understands the Everton defender remains one of Chelsea’s main transfer targets but they will not make a move for him this month, despite their defensive problems.

Chelsea had four offers rejected for the England international in the summer, the last of which was for £37million.

Stones, who is set to play in the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, handed in a transfer request last summer but Everton refused to cash in on their prized-asset.

Chelsea concede Stones will not be moving this month, with the 21-year-old settled at Goodison Park and focused on trying to make England’s squad for Euro Finals in France.

There is a also concern about introducing him mid-season into a Chelsea team who have the sixth worst defensive record in the Premier League.

They believe it would be better for Stones to arrive in pre-season, when he would have time to build up an understanding with his team mates. Chelsea, however, will face stiffer competition to sign him in the close season.

Everton are hoping to convince Stones to sign a new contract. He still has three years left on his deal, which is worth £30,000 a week.

Chelsea will still consider adding a defender to their squad before the window shuts on February 1.

Paris St Germain star Marquinhos remains on their wish-list and he is considering leaving the club because of a lack of first-team football.

While Chelsea look set to boost their squad this month, they will keep hold of Radamel Falcao until the end of the season.

Monaco were prepared to recall him this month but they have shelved the idea after assessing the striker’s thigh injury, which has kept him out of action for several weeks.

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev said: “We have spoken several times with Falcao. The first idea was that he returned to Monaco to play the second half of the season.

“He came to us, he was assessed by our doctors. Unfortunately, he was injured. We took the decision it is better that he remains at Chelsea.”