Barcelona join race for Stones

Barcelona are closely monitoring Everton defender John Stones, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Stones had been strongly linked with Chelsea over the previous transfer window, with Jose Mourinho keen to make the 21-year-old a long-term successor to John Terry at Stamford Bridge. 

But Barcelona are thought to admire Stones as a defender that is comfortable with the ball at his feet, fitting the style required of a centre-back at the Camp Nou. 

The Blaugrana may be put off by Everton's hefty asking price, with Chelsea's multiple bids snubbed during the previous transfer window, as the Toffees may look to raise over £40 million in selling their prime asset.