Mourinho on Everton's John Stones: "We made a bid because we like the player!

It seems that Everton's John Stones is the player that Jose Mourinho has identified as John Terry's long term replacement and has openly admitted that a bid has been made for the defender.

The initial bid of a reported £20m has been rejected by Everton who insist that they have no intention of selling the player. However, it's being reported that Chelsea would be prepared to bid as much as £30m for the player to ensure the move goes through as we look to bolster our defensive options.

Speaking of Stones, Mourinho said:

"We made a bid because we like the player, we don't make bids for players we don't like -- but I respect Everton. It's up to them -- everything is in their hands.

I don't speak about him [Stones] because he's not my player. We've made the bid and the bid is there. Everton have the power to accept or refuse the bid.

This is a problem between John Stones and Everton. When the transfer window is open, every club and player is open to bids. Bids come for our players and we make bids for other players. The process can be so simple.

I would advise Roberto Martinez to do the same thing I do. If I don't want to accept any offer, I say 'I don't accept any offer.' He can make it very, very easy."

We are reading reports that Roberto Martinez is unhappy with Chelsea trying to unsettle his player and has stated that he is not for sale but £30m is a lot of money and you would imagine they would sell at that price.

So what of Stones? He is an obvious talent but in my view still raw as a defender. £30m is a lot of money to spend on someone who will not walk straight into the first team but it would be an investment for the future. Let's also not forget he would be classed as a homegrown player on our books which helps the club.

You can also understand why Chelsea would want to try and land Stones now so he can work every day with John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic to learn and to develop but as I said, at the moment he is still raw with a lot to learn.

Let's see what happens with this one. Everton insist he isn't for sale but would a bid of £30m force their hand?