Roman Abramovich ‘to sanction £45m John Stones bid’

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly decided to go ahead with a fresh bid for Everton defender John Stones in the January transfer window.

The reigning Premier League champions, who are currently just one point above the relegation zone, lodged four bids for Stones in the summer market.

Every single one of the offers was knocked back by the Merseyside outfit, but according to The Express, Abramovich has given Mourinho the green light to continue pursuing the England international with a £40m bid.

The report adds that the Blues are likely to increase their offer to £45m given Everton’s stubbornness before the start of the 2015-16 season.

Stones, who made a transfer request in the summer, has three-and-a-half years left on his contract at Goodison Park, but Chelsea are reportedly hopeful that he will push for a move to West London.