Former England star and current U21 coach Stuart Pearce has urged John Stones to reject Chelsea and stay at Everton for his progress.
According to the Sky Sports News, Chelsea FC had a A?20 million bid for John Stones turned down by Everton earlier in the week, a news also confirmed by the Guardian.
Sky Sports then confirmed later in the week that Chelsea FC were set to table an increased offer to Everton to sign the defender with Everton reluctant to sell him.
The report said:
Sky Sports News HQ understands that Chelsea are likely to make an increased offer for Everton defender John Stones.
Everton insist the player is not for sale, but Chelsea are still hopeful of reaching an agreement to sign the 21-year-old.
The Guardian then confirmed that the offer could be in the region of 32 million GBP.
Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, is poised to break the transfer record for a British defender by signing the youngster. A fresh bid a believed to be in the region of A?32m a is expected this week.
.
England U21 manager urges Stones to stay put.
Stuart Pearce, the current U21 coach of the England team, won 78 caps for the national side and believes the young Everton defender should continue to learn his trade at Merseyside.
He said: a Ia m not sure yet (whether Stones should go to Chelsea), ita s that potential, theya re all buying potential.
a The jury is always out for me on these young players like Stones.a
Why are Chelsea FC chasing him?
Stones would be considered as a homegrown player in terms of the Premier League and Champions League and therefore adds to Chelsea FCa s option. Further, the Everton defender would provide cover for Branislav Ivanovic at right-back if required and with John Terry getting older, he could be a long term replacement for the talismanic captain.
The former Barnsley defender is seen in England as the future captain of the national side, having already made four appearances for the Three Lions and his ability was acknowledged by the Chelsea FC captain.
a I have seen a lot of games and I am a big fan of his,a Terry said.a He pulls wide of the box and wants the ball and for a young defender to do that in the Premier League takes some guts.
a He is exceptional with both feet, he is a ball-playing centre half which you need to be these days.
a He is extremely confident. He looks to play from the back and that can only be good for English football that the likes of him are coming through. He is definitely one I have been impressed by.a