Coral’s Rumour Reel: Chelsea poised to bid £40m for Everton’s John Stones

In a desperate attempt to land Everton centre back John Stones, Chelsea, 4/1 with Coral to win the Premier League, are preparing a £40m bid after having a third offer of £30m turned down.

It couldn’t have been clearer that the Blues need their defence strengthening during the 3-0 defeat by Manchester City, which saw them go out and splash in the region of £20m on Augsburg left back Abdul Baba Rahman, who is likely to replace Branislav Ivanovic against West Bromwich Albion with Cesar Azpilicueta switching to right back.

The Blues will also try to hijack Pedro’s move to Manchester United, though this seems unlikely with Ed Woodward having already put in the groundwork, however the Spaniard is giving the Red Devils three days to complete any transfer, with the start of the Spanish season imminent.

With the transfer of Nicolas Otammendi to Manchester City from Valencia almost complete, the club’s executive committee will turn all of their attention and energy to landing Wolfsburg’s Belgian playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne for a fee that could exceed the £50m mark.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have been told by the Baggies that they will have to pay £25m to sign 22-year-old striker Saido Berahino, with only Harry Kane and new young recruit Clinton Njie from Lyon their only options in attack this term.

For Premier League new boys Bournemouth, their quest to land a striker may result in Jermain Defoe arriving on the south coast from Sunderland. Eddie Howe’s side have been impressive so far, despite two consecutive 1-0 defeats and the missing ingredient appears to be a proven top-flight forward. Defoe played for the Cherries as a teenager and is thought to be interested in reuniting with the club.

To sign a forward or not sign a forward? This debate has rumbled on all summer at the Emirates and all those associated with Arsenal. The latest news is that they will reportedly have to pay £35m if they wants to bring PSG’s Edinson Cavani to north London, though Arsene Wenger has acted in any way that suggests this move is even likely.