One of English football’s longest running transfer sagas, John Stones to whichever elite club in the country, finally came to an end on Tuesday morning. Everton stood firm for 13 months, rejecting three Chelsea bids in the process, before finally allowing the centre back to join Manchester City. They held out for £47.5 million; a record fee for an English defender. The completion of the move returned a smile to the face of the 22-year-old and kick-started Everton’s summer spending. Ashley Williams signed for £12 million and Everton also look set to complete the signing of Lamine Kone.
Stones’ sale kick-starts Everton’s summer spending
Money CAN buy you Stones
It was July last year when Everton were rocked by Chelsea’s disruptive attempts to lure Stones to Stamford Bridge. The Toffees are a club that pride themselves on doing business quietly. The Londoners had other ideas. After their initial £20 million bid was rejected, Chelsea leaked the negotiations to the press.
A second bid of £26 million was also rebuffed; as well as a third offer of £30 million. Everton maintained the player was not for sale from the off. Chelsea were relentless but Stones, despite a late transfer request, remained at Goodison Park.
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