Chelsea eye John Stones free transfer as Xabi Alonso seeks leader for new look defence
The new head coach prefers a three-man centre-back system, with Stones under consideration to add leadership to an inexperienced squad.
Arsenal, Everton, Juventus and Inter Milan have also been named as suitors for Stones, who won 15 major trophies during his time at the Etihad. The defender, who has won 94 caps for England, is one of several options Chelsea are considering.
Chelsea’s interest in defensive signings comes amid approaches for Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah from Serie A sides. Como and Inter Milan have both approached Chelsea for Chalobah, while Badiashile has loan interest from Napoli.
Chelsea are in the midst of an active summer of recruitment. The club confirmed the £117m record signing of Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough on Tuesday and have also secured a deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra.
